After it was announced that a PGA Tour player died by suicide over the weekend, community members are discussing the importance of athlete mental health. It was announced that Grayson Murray, a PGA Tour player, died Saturday at the age of 30. He most recently won the Sony Open in January.
Jeffrey Johnston, an upcoming senior and golfer at Missouri Western State University, said the news of Murray’s death was unexpected. “I was very shocked because it kind of just came out of nowhere, especially, with him winning earlier this year and just having a great season ..
. just kind of shocked everyone really,” Johnston said. Murray withdrew from the Charles Schwab Challenge citing an illness before the completion of his second round of play on Friday.
His family announced his death on Saturday. Murray was on record about his struggles with depression . “Everyone has their battles,” Murray said a year ago.
“Sometimes people are able to hide them and function, and sometimes you’re not. I think our society now is getting better about accepting that it’s OK to not be OK. I’ve embraced that mentality.
I’m not ashamed that I go through depression and anxiety.” The “it’s ok not to be ok” mentality sticks with Kristina Hannon, co-CEO of the Family Guidance Center in St. Joseph.
It’s a perspective that encourages others to be active listeners when those around them are struggling. It also encourages people to take part in others receiving help and counseling. “.
