Erica Blasberg, LPGA Player, Found Dead At Age 25

Daytona Beach, FL (Sports NetworkSports Network) - LPGA golfer Erica Blasberg has died of unknown causes, according to the Tour and her agent Chase Callahan.

Blasberg, 25, was in her sixth season on the LPGA Tour. She turned professional in June 2004 and qualified to join the Tour a year later.

A native of Southern California, Blasberg was a two-time All-American at the University of Arizona, where she was named NCAA Freshman of the Year and Pac-10 Player of the Year in 2003.

“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,” said a statement from Callahan. “Erica had a good heart, was extremely kind and very thankful for what she had in her life.

“She lived out her dream of playing professional golf on the highest level on the LPGA Tour, allowing her to help inspire others. 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.”

Blasberg had her best year on Tour in 2008, when she earned a career-best tie for eighth at the SBS Open in Hawaii and more than $113,000 in winnings. She had played in only one event this season, the Tres Marias Championship, where she tied for 44th.