Father of PGA Golfer Billy Hurley III Dies: Media Reports

Image: Willard (Bill) Hurley Jr. (Leesburg Police Department)

The father of PGA golfer Billy Hurley III, a Leesburg man who went missing several weeks ago, died Wednesday of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to media reports.

Willard “Bill” Hurley Jr., 61, left town on July 19 without telling family and friends where he was going. The following week, prior to the Quicken Loans National golf tournament in Gainesville, his son made an emotional appeal at a news conference to his father to contact their family and tell them where he was.

The elder Hurley was located on July 31 in Clarksville, Texas. He told police that he was just traveling, WUSA-TV Channel 9 reported.

On Thursday, PGATour.com published a statement from the younger Hurley, which read: “I want to thank the PGA TOUR, the greater golf media, and all those who provided their support, prayers, and encouragement. 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.”

Crisis Resources
If you or someone you know is in crisis, the phone number of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 800-273-8255. More information is available at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Suicide Prevention Resource Center.

For emergency intervention services, dial 911. Local help is also available through Friends of Loudoun Mental Health. They can be reached at 703-777-0320 or click here.