Celebrity suicides: Coping with Grayson Murray's death
Celebrity suicides, like all celebrity deaths, draw us in and sadden us.. Celebrities are the people we measure ourselves against, even if we may not want to admit it. This weekend, the golfing world and its followers grappled with the tragic news of Grayson Murray's death. The 30-year-old PGA player died by suicide after withdrawing from the Charles Schwab Challenge, a tournament already underway. Murray had pulled out of the tournament at Colonial after the 16th hole of Friday's second round in Fort Worth, Texas, with the PGA Tour citing illness as the reason.
Veteran broadcaster Jim Nantz was tasked with announcing Murray’s death live on air for CBS. Overcome with emotion, Nantz struggled to find the words. PGA Tour golfer Peter Malnati also became visibly emotional when speaking about his colleague and friend.
Murray had been open about his struggles with alcohol and mental health, recounting how he used to drink during tournament weeks as a rookie, believing his talent made him invincible. This year, he made a significant turnaround, winning the Sony Open by sinking a 40-foot putt in a playoff. "It took me a long time to get to this point," Murray said in January. "That was seven years ago, over seven years ago. I'm a different man now. I would not be in this position today if I didn't put that drink down eight months ago."
His career highlights also included winning the Barbasol Championship as a 22-year-old PGA Tour rookie in 2017. Ranked No. 58 in the world, Murray was fresh off a tie for 43rd in the PGA Championship at Valhalla.
A North Carolina native, Murray was one of the most talented juniors in the country, winning the prestigious Junior World Championship in San Diego three consecutive years and earning the Arnold Palmer Scholarship at Wake Forest.
Grieving someone you never met can be a complex process, and that's okay. Our admiration for celebrities, athletes, and other public figures often stems from pride in their accomplishments, their commitment to excellence, or their dedication to their communities. However, the legacies of celebrities can be complicated, leading to conflicting emotions and diverse public opinions after their deaths. These events may also evoke personal losses, reminding you of the feelings you experienced after a loved one's passing.
Grayson Murray’s death brings that measurement into sharp focus. A common response is surprise—surprise that someone so successful, admired, and seemingly invincible would take their own life. This can also lead to fear, as we wonder what it means for the rest of us who don't share their level of success.
This tragedy has also sparked negative reactions, often seen in comment feeds or on social media, such as "money can’t buy you happiness." Success or wealth do not protect anyone from struggle. While financial resources can offer a means to get help, they do not fill the emptiness, isolation, heartbreak, or hopelessness that often underlie suicide.
However, there is hope in the response from media outlets seeking to offer a different narrative: how to cope if this loss is triggering for you, and how media can better report on celebrity suicides. Most coverage has included unnecessary explicit details that do not contribute to fact-focused reporting.
If this death has been particularly troubling for you, whether you struggle with suicidal thoughts, have attempted suicide, or have lost someone to suicide, consider the following steps:
Give yourself permission to avoid reading about it. Choose activities that help you feel connected to others, but are different from engaging with stories about this death.
Ground yourself in an experience. Spend time in nature or share a healthy meal with friends or family. Be present in that experience rather than getting swept up in the news.
Reflect on what made Grayson Murray’s life significant. Honor his achievements and contributions rather than focusing solely on the tragedy of his death. If you have lost someone to suicide, use this time to remember and honor their memory.
In these ways, we can cope with the loss and also strive to understand and address the deeper issues surrounding mental health and well-being.