LPGA golfer Erica Blasberg’s death in May, 2010 left the LPGA and its fans in shock and after months of investigation 
by the Clark County Coroner’s Office and police, the death has officially been ruled a suicide.
Although this ruling has long been expected, it was delayed due to toxicology testing taking about eight weeks. Once those tests were received, the cause of death was announced as asphyxia and toxic levels of medications in her system, meds that included over-the-counter and anti-anxiety drugs.
Blasberg, 25 years old, was found dead in her home on May 9 by a doctor who phoned 911 saying he had found the golfer deceased with “a bag over her head.”
Although no foul play is involved, that physician, Dr. Thomas Hess, was arrested this week and accused of removing items from the scene prior to police arriving. The arrest stems from Hess allegedly hiding Blasberg’s suicide note and prescription drugs in his vehicle prior to police arriving and the charges are said to include obstruction of justice.
Hess posted his $637 bail, was booked and left the station a short time later.
During the investigation the doctor told police he knew Blasberg from a golf club and stopped by to check on her after she didn’t leave for a tournament in Mobile, Alabama.
Blasberg seemed to have the world in her grasp, heading into her 6th year on the LPGA tour after a successful college career that included a collection of some impressive hardware. While playing for the University of Arizona in 2003, Blasberg gained a lot of attention after being named All-American and taking home the NCAA Freshman of the Year and Pac-10 Player of the Year awards.
Copyright ©2010 Sports Climax, LLC