Billy Hurley's father found dead from self-inflicted gunshot wound

[mvmac]

http://www.cbssports.com/golf/eye-on-golf/25268993/billy-hurleys-father-found-dead-from-self-inflicted-gunshot-wound

Quote:

Billy Hurley III 's father, Willard Hurley Jr., died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Loudoun County, Va., according to a statement released by Hurley III. As reported by USA Today , a Loudoun County Sheriff's Office's spokesman said that the case is under investigation as an apparent suicide.

Hurley Jr. was 61.

"I want to thank the PGA Tour, the greater golf media, and all those who provided their support, prayers and encouragement," Hurley III said in a statement that was released Thursday. "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."

Just two weeks ago, Hurley III announced that his father had disappeared from his home, saying at the time that his dad "took some clothes, he took some cash, he got in his truck and drove away and no one has heard from him since." Hurley Jr. disappeared on July 19 but was found on July 31 in a library in Texas. When he was found, Hurley Jr. said that he was traveling.

Hurley III learned of his father's death on Wednesday. He is not participating in the 2015 PGA Championship this week.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Billy and his loved ones during this very difficult time," said PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem. "We grieve with them as we would the loss of any member of our extensive PGA Tour family."

[atb5079]

Awful stuff. As I said in another thread, mental health is too often overlooked. It needs talked about. It needs to be brought to the forefront.

[Golfingdad]

Really sad. You could certainly tell that him going missing was more than just him getting lost or anything based on Hurleys short interview when they found him, but not this tragic. :(

[jbishop15]

My heart goes out to Billy Hurley. This kind of stuff tears me up.

[colin007]

FFS.....

[THException]

Horrible. Sorry for the Hurley family.

It's amazing that this happened despite of all of Billy III's success. Consider the money he makes, the connections he has.

[jbishop15]

Horrible. Sorry for the Hurley family.

It's amazing that this happened despite of all of Billy III's success. Consider the money he makes, the connections he has.

Just goes to show that this stuff affects everyone. Depression, suicidal thoughts; for those who haven't experienced them, the best way to explain it is to imagine a time you were reluctant to do something you dislike, and then apply that feeling to doing things that you love. Things start to lose their color fast.

[THException]

Just goes to show that this stuff affects everyone. Depression, suicidal thoughts; for those who haven't experienced them, the best way to explain it is to imagine a time you were reluctant to do something you dislike, and then apply that feeling to doing things that you love. Things start to lose their color fast.

True. These things definitely get to anyone and everyone.

But what shocks me more so is that there is a possibility that the Hurley family lacked the ability to help/save Billy II .

I mean, you don't just make a living on the PGA Tour because you are talented (especially if you are Billy Hurley III). In my experiences, those of us who reach the pinnacles of our pursuits are those of us who live healthy, virtuous lives. Lives which are enriched or reinforced by healthy and virtuous family members/supporters.

You just don't expect to hear that a PGA Tour Pro's father shot himself in the head.....especially after the collective effort to help find him weeks earlier.

Well, I've said enough.

All I really need to say is wow and sorry.

[Mop Bucket]

This is always tough to hear. It was definitely a cause for concern when news broke out of his disappearance. I'm sorry it ended this way; prayers, thoughts, and vibes to the Hurley family. Hopefully the golf community can rally around this and extend support to those who have been affected.

[newtogolf]

I don't know anything about the Hurley situation but too often when these types of tragedies happen people fail to recognize the desperation that the person is experiencing.  I also think people have this belief that they can fix these issues on their own, that a little more love, attention or God will make them happy again and try to avoid the stigma of seeking professional help.

Thoughts go out to the Hurley family and hope they make it through this tough time.

[Golfingdad]

I don't know anything about the Hurley situation but too often when these types of tragedies happen people fail to recognize the desperation that the person is experiencing.  I also think people have this belief that they can fix these issues on their own, that a little more love, attention or God will make them happy again and try to avoid the stigma of seeking professional help. Thoughts go out to the Hurley family and hope they make it through this tough time.

FYI, and without knowing your history so not trying to be too presumptuous ... I can say for a fact that these types of tragedies still occur when those around are well aware and are doing anything and everything they can to help. Depression is a horrible and powerful thing.

[Mr. Desmond]

I don't know anything about the Hurley situation but too often when these types of tragedies happen people fail to recognize the desperation that the person is experiencing.  I also think people have this belief that they can fix these issues on their own, that a little more love, attention or God will make them happy again and try to avoid the stigma of seeking professional help.

Thoughts go out to the Hurley family and hope they make it through this tough time.

Even if people know they suffer from depression, they do not recognize the depression. Very insidious illness.

[newtogolf]

FYI, and without knowing your history so not trying to be too presumptuous ... I can say for a fact that these types of tragedies still occur when those around are well aware and are doing anything and everything they can to help. Depression is a horrible and powerful thing.

I agree, I've lost a friend because their family seemed almost too embarrassed to acknowledge the problem and deal with it on a medical level and I've had a family member saved because they made the tough call to have the person treated in a facility that could monitor them and provide medications to help them.

There isn't an easy cure, but most people are fooling themselves if they think they can help someone who is severely depressed without professional help.

[Lihu]

This is very sad. . .

[isukgolf]

I am sorry for the Hurley family ... I almost lost a daughter to mental health ... so this hits very close to home.

[RJH999]

Very upsetting news...

[jbishop15]

This stuff always reminds me to appreciate my friends and family a little more, and to be a little kinder; you never know what someone is going through.

[RJH999]

This stuff always reminds me to appreciate my friends and family a little more, and to be a little kinder; you never know what someone is going through.

Truth.