Rising Australian golfer Jessica Bang has died at just 18 years old after suffering a brain hemorrhage while preparing for a qualifying event in Thailand.
The WPGA Tour of Australasia confirmed Bang’s death, sending condolences to those closest to the young player.
“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,” the organization said in a statement.
Bang collapsed Aug. 1 while preparing for the KLPGA Tour’s International Qualifying Tournament in Thailand, according to family members.
She was rushed to Synphat Ramintra Hospital in Bangkok and underwent emergency brain surgery before being placed on life support.
Her cousins later launched a GoFundMe campaign in hopes of helping bring Bang back to Australia.
Bang died at 7:20 a.m. local time Thursday, according to an update posted by her family. The fundraiser had collected nearly $36,000 AUD by the time of the announcement.
Her cousins said the family was devastated but wanted her to be remembered for far more than the tragedy surrounding her death.
The WPGA Tour of Australasia and the broader Australian golf community is deeply saddened by the passing of young Tour member Jessica Bang in Thailand.
Jessica was an outstanding young talent who made a significant impression in her short time on the Tour, winning the Ford… pic.twitter.com/iMNQEqp7y7
— WPGA Tour of Australasia (@WPGATour) August 13, 2026
“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,” they wrote. “As her cousins, we will forever cherish the time and memories we shared with Jessica. Her sense of humor, together with her cheerful and vibrant personality, will always be remembered and treasured by our family.
“The funds we have raised will be given to her parents to help contribute towards her medical expenses. Once again, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported Jessica and our family through this incredibly difficult time.”
Bang had already begun building an impressive golf career despite her young age.
She reportedly turned professional last year and qualified earlier this year for her rookie season with the WPGA/KLPGA.
In February, Bang won the Ford Women’s NSW Regional Qualifying tournament at Moss Vale in Australia in just her fifth professional start.
The victory marked a major breakthrough for the teenage golfer and offered an early glimpse of what many believed could become a promising career.
Bang could barely contain her excitement after the win.
“I’m so happy, I can’t even put it into words,” she said.
“It still doesn’t feel real yet. I did not expect this at all — big surprise.”
Just months later, the golf community is now mourning a player whose career was only beginning.
Bang’s family said the money raised through the fundraiser will now go toward helping her parents with medical expenses as they remember the young golfer’s life, personality and accomplishments.
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