'Mental health crisis is real': Grayson Murray's confessions on depression spark concerns after his death
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The world is still trying to come to terms with the tragic death of professional golfer Grayson Murray at the age of 30.
According to the statement by his family, Murray took his own life on Saturday, May 25, just a day after he withdrew his name from the Charles Schwab Challenge. His family confirmed the news of his death through a statement on Sunday.
Murray's heartbroken parents confirmed his death, writing, "We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone. It's surreal that we not only have to admit it to ourselves, but that we also have to acknowledge it to the world. It's a nightmare.”
A statement below from Grayson's parents, Eric and Terry Murray.
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 26, 2024
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the United States at 988 or visit their website at https://t.co/j0traBx8ia. pic.twitter.com/wPsaYMrWrH
"We have so many questions that have no answers. But one, 'Was Grayson loved?' Yes. By us, his brother Cameron, his sister Erica, all of his extended family, by his friends, by his fellow players and – it seems – by many of you who are reading this. He was loved and he will be missed," shared his family.
They continued in the statement, "We would like to thank the PGA Tour and the entire world of golf for the outpouring of support. Life wasn't always easy for Grayson, and although he took his own life, we know he rests peacefully now.”
As the PGA Tour winner's fans and followers are still mourning his death, fans have been focusing on the several times Murray opened up about mental health. A section of fans also wondered whether this tragic end could have been averted.
Grayson Murray previously talked about depression
Murray had always been vocal about his struggle with depression and mental health in the past. He even appeared to have come out of his depression when he shared his experiences to his fans.
Once, during an interview with Golf Monthly, Murray shared, "There are days where I didn't want to get out of bed. I just thought I was a failure,” before adding, “I always looked at myself as a failure. I thought I had a lot of talent that was just a waste of talent.”
The athlete explained, "It was a bad place, but like I said, you have to have courage," before pointing out the positive side, "You have to have the willingness to keep going. Lo and behold, that's what I did, and I'm here, and I'm so blessed and I'm thankful."
He concluded by saying, "Yeah, obviously I struggle with anxiety, I struggle with depression. That stemmed a lot from the alcohol use. I struggle with comparing myself to others, self-esteem. There's a lot of issues that - I call them issues. I think they're common issues that we all endure.”
Grayson Murray thanked parents for supporting him in mental health struggle
Just a year ago, Murray opened up in another interview where he talked about his parents’ contribution to his life.
View this post on Instagram
During an interview in May 2023, he said, “My parents have been through hell and back basically for the last six years with me fighting some mental stuff,” before adding, “And it’s not easy on me and the people around me that love me. They don’t like to see me down and they’ve been my No 1 supporters."
Murray seldom shied away from sharing his triumph over the struggles. In July 2023, he even celebrated the 78-day milestone of him not touching alcohol.
Taking to his Instagram, Murray wrote, "78 days ago i had my last drink. I was 648th in the world. flash forward and i’m 156th in the world. I’ve put in a lot of hard work in other areas of my life since then as well."
View this post on Instagram
He even inspired his fans saying, "If something is holding you back from something great it’s about making sacrifices. I got a long ways to go to achieve my ultimate goals but i’m living proof that a little change can be the difference in something great in your life. All it takes is self discipline and a great support team."
As his fans are going through his old posts, many fans wondered whether he was really cured of his struggles. Several fans even wondered whether his posts were indicative of a bigger battle that he was fighting in his mind.
Fans mourn Grayson Murray's death
One of the fans said on his Instagram, "We know it was so hard for you. I’m so sorry you couldn’t beat it. Those left behind will always feel the guilt of thinking more could’ve been done but the truth is sometimes there just isn’t. Go with God Grayson."
"RIP Grayson. Mental health needs to be addressed in this country. Praying for his family during this difficult time," said someone else.
RIP Grayson. Mental health needs to be addressed in this country. Praying for his family during this difficult time
— Sean (@svcigar) May 26, 2024
Another fan highlighted the importance of addressing mental health struggles, saying, "Wow. This is truly awful. My condolences to his family. There is nothing worse than not being able to help a family member that is struggling with mental health issues. I know from experience. Such a tragedy."
Wow. This is truly awful. My condolences to his family. There is nothing worse than not being able to help a family member that is struggling with mental health issues. I know from experience. Such a tragedy.
— Shrek4224 (@shrek4224) May 26, 2024
Someone else mourned, "Mental health crisis is real. We need subsidies for people entering the field. Sorry for your loss 🙏."
Mental health crisis is real. We need subsidies for people entering the field.
— jion12345 (@jion_12345) May 26, 2024
Sorry for your loss 🙏
"You never know what someone is going through. RIP," said someone else.
You never know what someone is going through.
— Misha Turtle Island 🐢 (@MishaFitton) May 26, 2024
RIP.
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