Grayson Murray’s longtime coach and mentor Ted Kiegiel has released a heartbreaking tribute to the golfer following his tragic death by suicide.
Kiegiel began working with the late PGA Tour player when Murray was just eight years old. The world number 58 won twice on the PGA Tour before dying at age 30.
Murray’s parents have paid tribute to their son and confirmed that he took his own life after withdrawing from the second round of the Charles Schwab Challenge in Texas.
The golf world was shocked, and on Sunday, Kiegiel said he was “absolutely paralyzed” and “crushed” by the loss.
‘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 shone brightly during the 30 years he gave us,” Kiegiel wrote.
Grayson Murray’s former coach released a heartbreaking tribute after his death
“Words cannot express the tragedy of this moment,” Ted Kiegiel wrote on social media.
‘He was family. He was more than family. We were soulmates: we shared so many victorious moments of “life” while suffering crises that challenged its very essence.’
He added: “It was my honor to serve as your coach and mentor.” I will miss you very much and I will carry your memory with me all my days.’
Murray had previously spoken openly about his battles with depression, anxiety and alcoholism.
On Sunday, His parents, Eric and Terry Murray, spoke about the “nightmare” he left them “So many unanswered questions.’
It was Eric Murray who introduced Kiegiel to his young son, beginning a relationship that lasted “countless hours” over more than two decades, “leaning on each other, finding strength in each other.”
‘Our story began when his father, Eric, organized a golf lesson with me when Grayson was eight years old. As chance would have it, that encounter forged for us a journey that would last a lifetime,” Kiegiel wrote.
Murray has previously spoken about his battles with depression, anxiety and alcoholism.
Eric and Terry Murray revealed their son’s suicide in a statement released by the PGA
‘Grayson was a kind and gentle soul, who had the heart of a Lion when it came to competing in golf. From his early days as a highly successful junior player, to the PGA Tour.
‘Yes, he was among the best in the game and was respected for all the talent he possessed. His true character was based on loving kindness toward those he knew or somehow came into his presence.
‘Those seeds were planted by his parents, Eric and Terry Murray, whom I love and care for deeply. They are truly the salt of the earth.’
He added: “Grayson will be deeply missed by his many friends and family, as well as by the golf world.”
For help, call Samaritans on 116123 in the UK or visit www.samaritans.org, or Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 in the US.
