A former University of Arizona student and professional golfer on the LPGA Tour died in Henderson, Nevada, yesterday, her agent confirmed today.
Erica Blasberg, 25, was a golfer at the U of A in the early part of the decade and was in her sixth season on the LPGA Tour.
Blasberg's agent, Chase Callahan, confirmed her death in a statement issued today but gave no indication as to the cause of death because there is an ongoing, police investigation.
It is unclear whether foul play was involved. Calls to Callahan and the Henderson Police Department were not immediately returned.
"We are devastated to learn of the passing of Erica
Blasberg. To most of the world, Erica was known as a professional
golfer, but she was more than that. She was a loving daughter to her
parents and a compassionate and loyal friend," Callahan says in his
statement. "Erica had a good heart, was extremely kind and very
thankful
for what she had in her life.
Blasberg turned
professional in June 2004 and qualified to join the LPGA Tour a year later.
A native of Southern California, Blasberg was a two-time
All-American at the U of A, where she was named NCAA
Freshman of the Year and Pac-10 Player of the Year in 2003.
In 2008, Blasberg had her best year on the Tour. She earned a
career-best tie for eighth at the SBS Open in Hawaii and more than
$113,000 in winnings.
Blasberg has only played in one Tour event this year, the Tres Marias Championship in Mexico, where she tied for 44th.
"She lived out her dream of playing professional golf on
the highest level on the LPGA Tour, allowing her to help inspire
others," Callahan says. "We are proud of Erica for everything she accomplished. This is
a painful loss, we feel it in our hearts and we will miss her. Erica
would want those close to her to celebrate the life she lived. We ask
that you keep Erica and her family in your prayers."
