Jessica Bang dies at 18: What we know about Australian golfer's sudden passing after brain hemorrhage originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Rookie professional golfer Jessica Bang died in a Thailand hospital at age 18 on Thursday, the WPGA Tour of Australasia said in a statement. Bang was preparing for a tournament on Aug. 1 when she collapsed, needing to be rushed to a hospital for emergency brain surgery, according to a GoFundMe page established by her family. After being placed on life support in the ICU, Bang, who suffered a brain hemorrhage, died around two weeks later. Here's what's known about Bang's death at 18. What happened to Jessica Bang? Bang died Thursday in a Thailand hospital around two weeks after being rushed in for emergency brain surgery. According to a GoFundMe page established by family, the 18-year-old Australian golfer was preparing for a golf tournament when she "suddenly collapsed and was transported to Synphat Ramintra Hospital in Bangkok, where she underwent emergency brain surgery" on Aug. 1. Bang was put on life support in the ICU after suffering a brain hemorrhage. Her cousins updated the GoFundMe page on Thursday, sharing that Bang died in the Bangkok hospital that morning. "We would like to thank everyone for your overwhelming support and well-wishes," the page reads. "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. The funds we have raised will be given to her parents to help contribute towards her medical expenses." The WPGA Tour of Australasia also released a statement on Bang's death. "(The) Australian golf community is deeply saddened by the passing of young tour member Jessica Bang in Thailand," the statement said. "Jessica was an outstanding young talent who made a significant impression in her short time on the tour." Per NBC 5, Bang earned her place on the WPGA Tour of Australasia through qualifying school in 2025 and won the Women’s New South Wales Open Regional Qualifying Event in February, which was just her fifth professional start. Bang qualified in November to start her rookie season in the WPGA, according to BBC Sport. Jessica Bang cause of death According to her family's GoFundMe page, Bang suffered a brain hemorrhage, suddenly collapsing on Aug. 1 and requiring emergency surgery. She was in intensive care at a Bangkok hospital for around two weeks prior to her death. What is a brain hemorrhage? A brain hemorrhage is a type of stroke where a blood vessel inside or around the brain bursts, which then causes blood to leak into the tissue. Blood will then pool between the brain and skull, putting pressure on the brain and preventing oxygen from reaching it, per Cleveland Clinic. Brain hemorrhages can be life-threatening or cause permanent damage, requiring emergency procedures. What causes a brain hemorrhage? Brain hemorrhages can happen after a fall or any type of traumatic head injury. Unmanaged high blood pressure can also lead to a brain hemorrhage, as well as a blood clot, weak spot in a blood vessel wall, or a brain tumor. Per Cleveland Clinic, over 795,000 people in the United States experience a stroke each year, with brain hemorrhages being a type of stroke. Brain hemorrhage symptoms According to Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of a brain hemorrhage include:
Sudden tingling, weakness, numbness or paralysis in the face, arm or leg, particularly on one side of the body Sudden, severe headaches Nausea and vomiting Confusion and dizziness Slurred speech Lack of energy