LPGA Golfer Erica Blasberg's Death Officially Ruled a Suicide Today

On Sunday, May 9, 2010, LPGA golfer Erica Blasberg, age 25 was found dead in her Henderson Nevada home around 3pm when police went to her residence after receiving a 911 call. She was found with a plastic bag over her head. An investigation was launched although it didn't look as if any foul play was involved. Today Ms. Blasberg's death has been officially ruled a suicide by the Clark County Coroner's Office in Nevada.

Dr. Thomas Hess, who made the 911 call, confessed that he removed a suicide note and some prescription medications from the scene when he found Erica's body on May 9^th. He claims to have known her from the golf club and had stopped by to check on her because she had sounded intoxicated when he had talked to her on the phone. The confession complicated the case and an investigation into the case was warranted. Dr. Hess has been issued an obstruction of justice charge for tampering with the scene. Dr. Hess will be allowed to turn himself in since the obstruction of justice charge is a non-violent misdemeanor.

Tragically, based on toxicology and autopsy reports, it has been concluded that the promising young LPGA golfer Erica Blasberg did commit suicide. The actual cause of death is listed as asphyxia as a result of the plastic bag she placed over her head. The Coroner also states that the presence of prescription drugs found by toxicology was also a significant factor in her death. According to Coroner Michael Murphy, the drugs found in Blasberg's system included butalbital, temazepam, alprazolam, codeine, hydrocodone, and tramadol. Nevada law prohibits the amounts of each drug that was found in her system; however the mixture and toxicity of the drugs were enough to cause death.

Erica Blasberg was in her sixth season with the LPGA and her best year on the Tour was in 2008, where she earned more than $113,000 in winnings and tied for 8^th place at the SBS open in Hawaii. This year she had only played in one tournament this year and placed 44^th in the Tres Marias Championship in Mexico in April 2010. She was preparing to go to her next event at the time of her death.

At the present time Mel Blasberg, Erica's father and coach is no doubt still devastated by his daughter's death and has not commented on the report released today.

Though I cannot fathom what was going on in Ms. Blasberg's life that would have caused her to commit suicide, I pray that she is resting in peace today.

Sources:

Radaronline.com: videos | RadarOnline.com

Huffingtonpost.com: Erica Blasberg Cause of Death Ruled Suicide by Nevada Coroner

LATimes.com: LPGA golfer Erica Blasberg's death ruled a suicide | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times