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Grayson Murray's longtime coach Ted Kiegiel pays heartbreaking tribute after his death: 'I am absolutely numb'
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 only eight. The world No 58 went on to win twice on the PGA Tour before his death aged 30.
Murray's parents paid tribute to their son and confirmed he took his own life after withdrawing from the second round at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Texas.
The golfing world has been left in shock and, on Sunday, Kiegiel said he was 'absolutely numb' 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 burned bright for the 30 years he gave us,' Kiegiel wrote.
Grayson Murray's longtime coach released a heartbreaking tribute following 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 kindred spirits - sharing so many victorious "life" moments, while suffering through downturns that challenged his very essence.'
He added: 'It was my honor to serve as your coach and mentor. I will miss you so, so very much and will carry your memory all of my days.'
Murray had previously spoken openly about his battles with depression, anxiety and alcoholism.
On Sunday, his parents - Eric and Terry Murray - opened up on the 'nightmare' that has left them with 'so many questions that have no answers.'
It was his Eric Murray who introduced Kiegiel to his young son, sparking a relationship that spanned 'countless hours' over more than two decades, 'leaning on each other, finding strength in each other.'
'Our story began when his dad, Eric, arranged a golf lesson with me when Grayson was eight years old. As chance would have it, that meeting would go on to forge a lifelong journey for us,' Kiegiel wrote.
Murray had previously spoken about his battles with depression, anxiety and alcoholism
Eric and Terry Murray revealed their son's suicide in a statement that was released by the PGA
'Grayson was a kind and gentle soul - that had the heart of a Lion when it came to competing in golf. Taking it from his earliest days as a very successful junior player - all the way to the PGA Tour.
'Yes - he stood among the best in the game and (was) respected for all the talent he possessed. His true character was based in loving kindness toward those he knew or if you somehow came into his presence.
'Those seeds were planted from 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 dearly missed by his many friends and family - as well as the world of golf.'
For support call Samaritans on 116123 in the UK or visit www.samaritans.org, or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on 988 in the US.