Jessica Bang dead aged 18: Tributes pour in as rising star of women’s golf dies following shock brain haemorrhage

AUSTRALIAN golf prospect Jessica Bang has tragically died after suffering a brain haemorrhage at the age of 18, the WPGA Tour has confirmed. Bang collapsed on August 1st while visiting Bangkok, Thailand, to compete in the KLPGA Tour‘s International Qualifying Tournament. The teen was rushed to Synphat Raminstra Hospital in Bangkok where she underwent emergency brain surgery, before being placed on life support. A WPGA Tour of Australasia statement, via News.au read: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the WPGA Tour of Australasia and the broader Australian golf community are with Jessica’s family, friends and all those who knew and loved her at this incredibly difficult time.” Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Members of Bang’s family started a fundraiser during her fight following surgery, hoping to help cover medical costs and organise her return to her family at home. But they shared the heartbreaking update on Thursday that she had passed away. An update on the page by organiser Janette Yoon read: “We are truly heartbroken by this news. However, we would like to continue to remember Jessica and celebrate her achievements, passion, and dedication to golf. “As her cousins, we will forever cherish the time and memories we shared with Jessica. Her sense of humour, together with her cheerful and vibrant personality, will always be remembered and treasured by our family.” A total of almost $35,000AUD (£18,500) had been raised to go to her family to help with medical costs. Bang burst on to the scene earlier this year after winning her first event during her fifth ever entry on the Tour. Most read in Sport Born in South Korea, she became an Australian citizen after her 18th birthday. Affectionately known as ‘Rookie Bang,’ she won the Ford Women’s NSW Open Regional Qualifying Event at Moss Vale in February, with her mother acting as her caddie. She set a new course record as she shot eight-under-par 65 in the final round to win by five shots. Comment now