PGA Golfer Jason Day loses eight relatives in Typhoon Haiyan

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PGA Tour star Jason Day has confirmed that eight of his relatives -- including his grandmother -- died in Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.


"I am deeply saddened," Day said in a statement released by the Tour. "My family and I are thankful for all who have reached out with their prayers and concern."


Day's immediate family migrated from the Philippines to Australia 30 years ago, but many relatives still lived around the city of Tacloban in the Leyte province that was hit hard by the storm.


"We feel devastated for all who have been affected by this horrific tragedy," he said. "While I understand the media's interest in this matter and hope that any coverage can spread awareness to assist with the relief efforts that continue in the Philippines, I hope that all will respect my family's privacy during this difficult time."


The golfer, who finished 14th in the FedEx Cup standings last season, is scheduled to represent Australia with teammate Adam Scott at the World Cup of Golf beginning on Thursday.


"On behalf of the entire PGA Tour family, we were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of several of Jason Day’s family members from Typhoon Haiyan, a tragic event that has affected millions of lives in the Philippines," Commissioner Tim Finchem said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jason and his family, as well as all of those who have suffered losses and devastation."

[TLO]

JFC

[Wallcrawler]

Cant even imagine that level of emotional agony. Ive been through a couple in a short time and that was some pretty rough sledding.

But eight at once, I cant even begin to grasp what that must be like.

[Katipan]

The way the families live there I would imagine many of the deaths involved whole branches of families.

[MahiMike]

I knew he was Australian. Didn't know he had Filipino ties. Sad.

[BlackHelicopters]

Sad and horrible.

[Garcia Bronco]

I'll bet he only actually meet 1 of them. while that doesn't change how he would feel, it might not be as cripplinig as one thinks.

[Katipan]

Originally Posted by Garcia Bronco

I'll bet he only actually meet 1 of them. while that doesn't change how he would feel, it might not be as cripplinig as one thinks.

He's rich so he probably met more than that but your point is valid. I would cry more for my mother and my history than I would any enormous personal loss.

[Demonpenz]

Now that's a water hazard.

[BlackHelicopters]

Much worse than a two stroke penalty.

[Manila-Chief]

Originally Posted by Katipan

The way the families live there I would imagine many of the deaths involved whole branches of families.

You are very correct!

Way back when I was in language study, I went on a mission trip, with a church in Davao City, to a small island off the coast of Bohol Island. As best as I remember it took us a couple of hours by pump boats (banka) to reach the island. It was 1,000 x 300 feet. It was flat with the highest point about a half dozen feet. There were a couple hundred subsistent fishermen and families living on the island. So, if the tidal wave was as high as reported, none of those people survived. Question is ... how many other islands were there like that? They will never know the exact number of causalities, especially if whole families were wiped out.

I just read a piece from one of our friends/colleagues, who went to Bohol after the 7.2 earthquake to survey damage and help determine relief needs. He said, "large old Spanish cathedrals, built as far back as 1603 crumbled into dust. ... Ironically, the worst damage was done to those who had prospered over the years and built cement homes. The old-style bamboo and wooded houses swayed in the shake and rattle, but many survived."

Then they were hit by the typhoon. Bamboo/wood is no match for any typhoon. No, not in the direct path but close enough for terrible suffering. Here we have insurance, friends/neighbors, resources to help in a tragedy. There they live one day at a time and have zero reserves.

Point ... no matter how things are going in our lives ... we should count our blessings and be thankful.