Late golf star Grayson Murray’s father reveals devastating statement he made two weeks before tragic suicide

Grayson Murray: The Tragic Story of a PGA Tour Star Gone Too Soon

Grayson Murray, a talented professional golfer who competed on the PGA Tour, tragically died by suicide on May 25, 2024, at just 30 years old. His death came a day after withdrawing from the Charles Schwab Challenge, citing illness. His passing shocked the golf community, leaving behind a poignant story of mental health struggles, perseverance, and a family’s heartache.

A Cry for Help

Murray’s father, Eric, revealed in an emotional interview with Golf Digest that his son had expressed suicidal thoughts weeks before his death. On May 5, while at the family’s home in Raleigh, North Carolina, Grayson confided in his father, saying, “I don’t want to be here anymore.” The father and son sat together in their living room, crying as they discussed the pain Grayson had been carrying.

Eric recounted that this wasn’t an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of despair that had plagued his son for years. “The worse it got, the more he talked, and the thing he kept saying over and over was, ‘I don’t think anyone can help me.’”

Despite his internal struggles, Grayson competed in the Wells Fargo Championship the very next day, achieving an impressive 10th-place finish. His ability to perform on the course despite his mental anguish was emblematic of his resilience, though it ultimately could not heal the deeper wounds.

A Life Altered by Injury

Murray’s struggles with mental health were exacerbated by a serious accident in 2014 while he was attending Arizona State University. A bike crash left him with a severe head injury; he hit his head on the pavement, leading to significant cognitive changes.

An MRI later revealed that only 20% of the right side of his brain was functioning. The injury marked the beginning of significant mood swings and a persistent sense of fatalism, Eric said. “That was the beginning of the fatalism. He just wasn’t the same after that.”

A Career of Highs and Lows

Grayson Murray’s professional career was a mix of triumphs and challenges. He won his first PGA Tour event at the 2017 Barbasol Championship and showed flashes of brilliance throughout his career. However, the demands of the professional golf lifestyle took a toll on him.

His sister, Erica, explained that the isolation of being on the road weighed heavily on Grayson. “He didn’t like being on the road. He was a homebody; he got his energy from family and friends. Being stuck in hotel rooms, away from people he could trust, did a number on him.”

To cope with his emotional pain, Murray turned to gambling, which provided only a temporary distraction. “It was always a fight for all of us,” his father said, reflecting on the family’s ongoing efforts to support him.

Final Days and Hopes for the Future

Just two days before his death, Grayson spoke to his brother, Cameron, about visiting him in Aruba after completing the Charles Schwab Challenge. It was a glimmer of hope, suggesting he was looking ahead. Tragically, those plans would never come to fruition.

Murray’s death occurred less than a month before he was scheduled to return to North Carolina to compete in the U.S. Open at Pinehurst. Despite his absence, the U.S. Golf Association (USGA) honored him at the tournament. His locker was preserved in the clubhouse, adorned with a silver plaque bearing his name. A heartfelt message on the plaque read:

“The USGA remembers Grayson and pays tribute to the playing accomplishments that merited his place in the 124th U.S. Open Championship.”

Beneath the message, a quote poignantly urged: “Be kind to one another.”

A Legacy Remembered

In addition to the tribute at the U.S. Open, Murray’s local Raleigh golf club held a moment of silence and an honorary tee time in his memory. His caddie, grieving deeply, was given the opportunity to carry a PGA Tour official’s bag at a subsequent tournament, providing a chance for healing and normalcy in the wake of the tragedy.

Grayson Murray had previously spoken openly about his struggles with depression, anxiety, and alcoholism, using his platform to shed light on the challenges many face silently. His untimely death serves as a somber reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues and supporting those in need.

For those who knew him, Murray’s legacy will be one of talent, resilience, and an enduring love for the game of golf. His family, friends, and fans will remember him not only for his accomplishments on the course but also for the humanity and vulnerability he shared with the world.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, support is available. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or professional. You are not alone.