Professional golfer Jessica Bang has died at just 18 years old after suffering a brain hemorrhage while competing in a tournament in Thailand.
Bang collapsed Aug. 1 while participating in the KLPGA Tour’s International Qualifying Tournament. She was transported to Synphaet Ramintra Hospital in Bangkok, where she underwent emergency brain surgery.
The South Korea-born golfer was placed on life support following the procedure, but her family announced that she died at the hospital on Aug. 13 at 7:20 a.m. local time.
Bang’s cousins shared news of her death through a GoFundMe page established to help cover her medical expenses.
“We are truly heartbroken by this news,” her family wrote. “However, we would like to continue to remember Jessica and celebrate her achievements, passion, and dedication to golf.”
Her cousins also remembered Bang for her personality and the memories she created with her family.
“As her cousins, we will forever cherish the time and memories we shared with Jessica,” they wrote. “Her sense of humour, together with her cheerful and vibrant personality, will always be remembered and treasured by our family.”
The WPGA Tour of Australasia also issued a statement following Bang’s death, extending condolences to her family and those who knew her.
“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.
Bang’s death came as the young professional golfer had already begun building an impressive record on the course.
In November 2025, Bang claimed victory in just her fifth professional tournament, winning the 2026 Ford Women’s NSW Open Regional Qualifying Event at Moss Vale.
She recorded a final-round score of 65 during the tournament, setting a course record in the process. Bang ultimately secured the victory by five strokes.
The young golfer had also won the Queensland Amateur.
Bang was competing in Thailand when she suffered the brain hemorrhage that ultimately claimed her life. After collapsing during the Aug. 1 qualifying tournament, she was rushed to the Bangkok hospital for emergency treatment and underwent brain surgery before being placed on life support.
Her family’s announcement emphasized that they want Bang to be remembered for her accomplishments, her dedication to golf and the personality she shared with those closest to her.
At only 18, Bang had already recorded a course-record-setting professional victory and captured the Queensland Amateur title.
Her cousins said they will continue to cherish their memories of the young golfer, particularly her sense of humor and the cheerful, vibrant personality that they said will remain treasured by their family.
