Erica Blasberg Dead at 25

LPGA Tour player Erica Blasberg was found dead Sunday at her home in Henderson, Nev. She was 25. Erica was a two-time all American and the University of Arizona and turned pro in June of 2004. On the Futures Tour, she won the Laconia Savings Bank Futures Golf Classic, shooting a 62 to break the tour’s 18 hole scoring record.

While Blasberg didn’t enjoy much success on the LPGA Tour, she did manage to make over $113,000 on the LPGA Tour in 2005, finishing 8th at the SBS Open at Turtle Bay after co-leading with Annika Sorenstam after 54 holes.

Erica Blasberg lost her LPGA Tour playing privileges for 2010 and had to play in the LPGA Tour Qualifying Tournament in Daytona Beach. Arriving in Daytona, she didn’t seem to be in the right state of mind, complaining about the weather on her twitter account. I ran into her at LPGA International that week and she seemed to be her bubbly and energetic self. However, after shooting rounds of 72-78 she abruptly withdrew from the event. Shortly thereafter, she dropped off the social media map, canceling her Facebook and Twitter accounts. Her website (www.ericablasberg.com) has not been updated in over a year.

I speculated that this sudden absence may have been mandated by her sponsors Cleveland Golf and Puma, perhaps to redefine her image and help her rededicate her career to golf. I didn’t know Erica personally, but based on her Facebook page she seemed to enjoy the nightlife and non-stop action that comes with living in LasVegas and being a recognizable professional athlete.

It was shocking to hear of her passing, and even more shocking to learn that she may have committed suicide. “At first glance it looks like she might have taken her own life, but at second glance, something is very, very strange about it,” said Erica’s father, Mel Blasberg, by phone from Nevada. “We’re waiting for the police to make an investigation, it’s a pending investigation. Either way, I lost her and it’s impossible to deal with.”

Erica’s passing is a tragedy for golf, and for all those who follow the woman’s game and the LPGA. Our sincere condolences go out to all her fans, friends and family. Rest in piece Erica.

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