Grayson Murray’s team is heartbroken.
A two-time PGA Tour winner, Murray died by suicide on Saturday.
He was 30 years old.
“Grayson was the absolute best,” Murray’s caddie, Jay Green, told the Golf Channel. “Not only was he an incredible, thoughtful and generous boss, he was an even better friend. He would truly do anything for anyone.
“He has the best family, and my heart goes out to them. We will all miss him deeply.”
Murray, who battled alcoholism and depression, won the Sony Open in January, and Green posted on Instagram afterward that it “was one of the best days of my entire life!”
Green posted an emotional message on Saturday as well after the news was announced.
“G Money, you were the very best,” Green wrote on Instagram. “I love you brother. I miss you already. Thank you for the memories. May your soul rest in peace.”
Murray, a Raleigh, N.C. native, had withdrawn from the Charles Schwab Challenge on Friday before he died one day later.
“I’m absolutely numb and crushed for the loss of Grayson,” Ted Kiegiel, Murray’s swing coach, wrote on X. “He was family. He was more than family. We were kindred spirits — sharing so many victorious ‘life moments’ while suffering through downturns that challenged his very essence. Leaning on each other, finding strength in each other. Having spent countless hours over 20+ years — we knew each other very well.”
Kiegiel had known Murray since he was a kid.
“Our story began when his dad, Eric, arranged a golf lesson with me when Grayson was 8 years old. As chance would have it, that meeting would go on to forge a lifelong journey for us.
“Grayson was a kind and gentle soul — that had the heart of a lion when it came to competing in golf. Taking it from his earliest days as a very successful junior player — all the way up to the PGA Tour. Yes, he stood among the best in the game and [was] respected for all the talent he possessed.”
Murray was engaged to Christiana Ritchie, and the two lived together in Florida.
“His true character was based in loving, kindness toward those he knew or if you somehow came into his presence. Those seeds were planted from his parents, Eric and Terry Murray — whom I love and care for deeply. They are truly the salt of the earth,” Kiegiel’s statement read.
“Words cannot express the tragedy of this moment. What I can say is — Grayson came from something that was ordinary and made it extraordinary. He burned bright for the 30 years he gave us.
“Grayson will be dearly missed by his many friends and family — as well as the world of golf. It was my honor to serve as your coach and mentor. I will miss you so, so very much and will carry your memory all my days.”
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
Source
