World-famous sports star dead at 30 as shocked fans pay tribute to top player
Two-time PGA Tour champion Grayson Murray has tragically passed away at the tender age of 30, following his withdrawal from the Charles Schwab Challenge last Friday.
Ranked 58th in the world, Grayson completed 16 holes on Friday's round, standing three-over par before he made the decision to exit the tournament held in Colonial, Fort Worth, Texas. He informed his fellow players that he felt unwell before leaving the course.
The sad news of the North Carolina-born golfer's death emerged on Saturday.
His pinnacle career achievement came earlier this year when he clinched victory at the Sony Open in Hawaii, outplaying competitors Byeong-hun An and Keegan Bradley in a nail-biting playoff. Despite his success, Grayson had been candid about his struggles with alcohol and mental health issues.
The sombre mood was palpable as CBS commentator Jim Nantz relayed to viewers that the tour had offered to cancel the remainder of the tournament, but at the behest of Murray's family, it continued. His colleague Trevor Immelman was visibly moved during the broadcast as he commented on the heartbreaking development, reports the Mirror.
Fans flocked to X, formerly known as Twitter, to send their tributes to the sportstar.
"Way to soon. Rip Grayson," one wrote.
Another added: "Terribly sad news about Grayson Murray. So sudden and difficult to comprehend. Condolences to his family and friends."
In a heartfelt statement, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan expressed his profound sorrow: "We were devastated to learn and are heartbroken to share that PGA Tour player Grayson Murray passed away this morning. I am at a loss for words. The PGA Tour is a family, and when you lose a member of your family, you are never the same. We mourn Grayson and pray for comfort for his loved ones."
"I reached out to Grayson's parents to offer our deepest condolences, and during that conversation, they asked that we continue with tournament play. They were adamant that Grayson would want us to do so. As difficult as it will be, we want to respect their wishes."
Further information was delivered to PGA Tour members in a statement by Jay: "No one should go through a crisis alone. The PGA Tour has grief counselors available at both tournament sites, as well as virtually for those not in the field. I am en route to Fort Worth and will share more information when we can."
Grayson arrived on the PGA Tour with promised star quality, securing a win at the Barbasol Championship in 2017. Despite this early triumph, his form faded and his mental health declined.
Reflecting on his struggles, he admitted last year: "I just thought I was a failure. I thought I had a lot of talent that was just a waste of talent."
Alcohol played a role in his darkest times. He confessed being hungover during three of the rounds he played at the Barbasol Championship, which he won.
However, last year Grayson stated that he turned sober. "It was by choice," he said. "It was time [to stop drinking]."
Over the past year, Grayson Murray celebrated his best performance in years on the golf course, scoring two Korn Ferry Tour wins before clinching his much-anticipated second PGA Tour victory in Hawaii in January.
