Rory McIlroy Speaks On The Passing Of Grayson Murray: 'We're Vulnerable And We're Fragile'

Rory McIlroy spoke about the passing of two-time PGA Tour winner Grayson Murray ahead of this week's RBC Canadian Open, offering not only his thoughts and condolences to Murray's family but also speaking candidly about the vulnerability of professional athletes.

The PGA Tour shared the tragic news of Murray's death on Saturday during the third round of the Charles Schwab Challenge. On Sunday, Murray's parents shared a statement explaining that the 30-year-old took his own life.

Murray withdrew from the Charles Schwab Challenge in Texas during Friday's second round citing an illness. The next day, he was gone.

Speaking ahead of this week's RBC Canadian Open, his first appearance since Murray's death, McIlroy opened up about the tragedy.

"It's incredibly sad, first and foremost, and I think we're all thinking of Grayson's family and hoping that they're doing OK and getting through this incredibly tough period," McIlroy said before the RBC Canadian Open.

"It's a cliche, but it puts everything in perspective," McIlroy said. "At the end of the day golf is golf and, yeah, we play it for a living, but it pales in comparison to the things that actually matter in life."

The four-time major winner explained that he still battles with trying to remember that golf, a game, isn't the end all be all 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."

Grayson Murray took his own life at the age of 30. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)

"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," he continued.

"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."

Earlier this week it was reported that Murray died from carbon monoxide poisoning in his Florida home. A report from the Daily Mail explained that Murray's home was filled with exhaust fumes from his Land Rover that was left with the engine on in the ground-floor garage.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).