LPGA Statement About Erica Blasberg

FOLLOWING THE NEWS THAT Erica Blasberg’s death was ruled a suicide, the LPGA issued a statement from Chief Communications Officer David Higdon at LPGA.com:

We are saddened to hear the news that Erica Blasberg’s death was the result of suicide, as she had so much to live for. Our deepest condolences go out to Erica’s family and loved ones. The LPGA is a family, and as a family, we mourn together. This is uncharted territory for us as no one here recalls a case of suicide in the 60-year history of the LPGA.

We will continue to honor the life of Erica Blasberg as we have since we first heard about her death in May. As a player, Erica was a talented, fierce competitor and a dedicated athlete. Away from the competition, she was passionate about doing whatever she could to help others. She established a golf tournament to benefit the Foundation for Community and Family Health. It provided shoes, school supplies, vaccination shots and much more for less fortunate families in her hometown of Corona, California. Erica not only loved to play on the LPGA Tour, but she also played in more than 20 pro-ams a year that helped raise awareness and money for numerous charitable causes.

Through the LPGA medical services team, the LPGA is helping all our members who are coping with this tragic loss.

Golf writer and blogger Shane Bacon was a friend of Erica’s who also caddied for her at an LPGA event. Shane wrote a heartfelt remembrance of her in May at Devil Ball Golf.

−The Armchair Golfer

(Image: Keith Allison/Flickr)

Erica Blasberg, 1984-2010

LPGA PLAYER ERICA BLASBERG has died of unknown causes, according to the tour and Blasberg’s agent as reported by several media outlets. She was 25. Erica was a collegiate star at the University of Arizona who joined the LPGA Tour in 2004. Her best year on tour was in 2008.

My sincere condolences to her family and friends, including her pal and sometimes caddie Shane Bacon, who wrote this remembrance at Devil Ball Golf.

“Erica was a beautiful person,” Shane wrote, “and that has nothing to do with her always talked-about looks. She loved to smile, laugh and poke fun at the friends around her. It was good natured, and making Erica laugh meant you accomplished something.”

−The Armchair Golfer