Reports: Pro Golfer Billy Hurley III's Father Dies
LEESBURG, Va. (WJZ) -- The father of pro golfer Billy Hurley III passed away, the Washington Post reported.
According to the Post, Hurley made the announcement Wednesday as covered by GolfWeek's Todd Lewis.
Sad news to report. The Father of Billy Hurley III has died from self inflected gunshot wound. Thoughts & prayers with Billy and family.
— Todd Lewis (@ToddLewisGC) August 13, 2015
In a statement, Billy Hurley said:
"I want to thank the PGA Tour, the greater golf media, and all those who provided their support, prayers and encouragement," Billy Hurley said in a statement released Thursday morning and first broadcast by Lewis. "The PGA Tour community has always taken great care of us, and my family and I are very grateful for that. As soon as I am able, I will return to golf and will provide further comment."
Hurley III's 61-year-old father recently went missing, triggering a public plea for help from the pro golfer based in Annapolis.
WJZ Investigator Mike Hellgren reported his father was found on July 31 in Texas. According to the Post, Hurley Jr. was found by police when he was watching his son play the Quicken Loans National tournament at a library. He told local police he was "simply traveling."
Hurley Jr. was a retired Leesburg police sergeant, according to ESPN, and died Wednesday from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Billy and his loved ones during this very difficult time. We grieve with them as we would the loss of any member of our extensive PGA TOUR family," said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem.