Rory McIlroy speaks out on suicide of Grayson Murray: "Slaps you in the face"

Rory McIlroy has urged everyone to 'be kinder' after the suicide of two-time PGA Tour winner Grayson Murray. 

Murray took his own life hours after withdrawing from the second round of the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club. 

The golfer, who was 30 years old, had struggled for years with alcoholism and depression. 

He appeared to turn a corner, though, speaking of renewed hope for life and his career after winning the Sony Open earlier in the season. 

Murray is believed to have been found unresponsive in the master bedroom of his property in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. 

"I think it slaps you in the face when something like that happens last week," McIlroy, 35, told reporters before the RBC Canadian Open. 

McIlroy said he has been 'working through' trying not to make professional golf his priority. 

"I think we're all thinking of Grayson's family and hoping that they're doing okay and getting through this incredibly tough period," he added. 

"I think, you know, it's cliché, but it puts everything in perspective. 

"It puts everything -- you know, at the end of the day, you know, golf is golf and, yeah, we play it for a living, but it pales in comparison to the things that actually matter in life. 

"I've had to realize that at times and I'm still sort of working my way through that in terms of not making golf the be-all and end-all for me. 

"I think it slaps you in the face when something like that happens last week."

McIlroy continued: "As I said, it's incredibly sad and everyone has to remember out here that we go out and we do things that a lot of people can't, but at the end of the day we're still human beings, and we're vulnerable and we're fragile, and I think if there's a lesson for anyone out there it's just to be kinder to each other."

Murray's suicide was confirmed in a tragic statement by his parents Eric and Terry. 

They said they were going through a 'nightmare'. 

"Life wasn't always easy for Grayson, and although he took his own life, we know he rests peacefully now," the statement read. 

"Please respect our privacy as we work through this incredible tragedy, and please honour Grayson by being kind to one another. If that becomes his legacy, we could ask for nothing else."

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