She had allegedly backed her bags, including her new, one-of-a-kind golf bag, this in preparation for her flight to her upcoming match, but she never made it to the airport. In fact she never made it out of her bed in her Henderson, Nevada home, as that, according to media reports, was where her father said a friend found her dead; cause of death unknown.

Blasberg’s father initially suggested his daughter may have committed suicide, but he’s backed away from this initial observation, indicating his belief that her death is suspicious. Police, for their part, have declined to indicate a cause of death, suggesting they are awaiting the results of toxicology tests that could take more than a month to conduct. In the meantime death investigators know that Blasberg, like any of us, died from one of four reasons: natural causes, accident, suicide or homicide. Erica Blasberg had no known history of illness, at least nothing that appeared to threaten her health to such a degree, and while an accidental death could include a fall or a motor vehicle accident, it could also include an unintentional overdose. Of course an overdose could also be intentional, therefore indicating a suicide, while a homicide would usually be evident to responding officers, or at least to the medical examiner. But could Erica, as some tabloid television shows have already suggested, have been suffocated by an unknown assailant, a murderous act done without leaving obvious signs of trauma on her body, perhaps a so-called “soft kill” such as smothering with a pillow?

Someone called 911 to report Blasberg’s death, but so far the identity of that person has not been made public. But if we consider her father’s initial reaction, that of suggesting a suicide, we are forced to question “why;” why would someone with so much going for her in life instead choose death?

Suicide in America

Upwards of 35,000 men, women and children will commit suicide in the U.S. every year, roughly one suicide every 16 minutes. Statistically, most suicides occur in the spring of the year, and while women attempt suicide three times more often than men, men are far more successful at taking their own lives, probably because of method of death, 60% of the time by the use of a firearm. Women are more likely to choose some kind of overdose. There are almost one million suicide attempts in the U.S. every year, with suicide representing the third highest cause of death for those near her age. One of the highest risk factors for suicide is depression and/or substance-abuse; silent killers that contribute to many accidents, suicide attempts and actual suicides every year. Suicide rates vary greatly across the world with Greece experiencing about three such deaths per 100,000 while Korea sees 215 suicide related deaths per 100,000.

Media reports suggest she was struggling with her game this year, finishing no better than 44thin a recent tournament. Her father indicated “she knew this year was going to be a tough year, but she was motivated.” Blasberg was ranked the nation’s #1 female golfer in 2003, but found the LPGA far more challenging than the college ranks, never finishing higher than 94th on the overall money list. A former coach indicated that she tended to keep to herself, suggesting it was hard for anyone to get close to her. Initial reports have not included any information concerning a significant other in her life, this as golf seemed to take up all of her time. But if she had her bags packed, her airline ticket purchased, and had made dinner plans for Monday night in Alabama, at whose hands did she die: her own or those of someone else? Accidental death, suicide, or murder?

Death by Suffocation

For investigators, suffocation happens when someone places something over a victim’s mouthand nose to prevent her from breathing. This could be the assailant’s hand, a pillow, or even a plastic bag – basically anything that restricts the flow of oxygen into the victim’s lungs and, of course, to the brain. In these cases investigators attempt to determine the cause of death, in the absence of obvious indications of trauma, by checking the deceased’s eyes to determine if they are bloodshot. Physical evidence of suffocation could include the presence of petechial hemorrhages in the eyes, face, lungs, and neck area. Petechiae are tiny purple or red spots on the skin that are caused by small areas of bleeding under the skin. The medical examiner would look for evidence of a fracture to her hyoid bone, the U-shaped bone at the base of the tongue that can be fractured during strangulation. But there should also be some signs or indications of a struggle, something to indicate that someone as athletic as Blasberg had not died without a fight.

Accidental Death

Many people have died from the accidental ingestion of prescription and non-prescription drugs. Actor Heath Ledger was just 28 when he died in 2008 of “a toxic combination of prescription drugs,” in his case at least six different drugs taken to combat depression, insomnia, anxiety, pain and the common cold. Ledger, like Blasberg, was young and successful and, in his case, at the top of his game, but self medication can at times be deadly. Could police, for example, have found evidence of a possible overdose, perhaps pill containers in Blasberg’s residence? Could this be the reason they are reluctant to state a cause of death until their theory can be supported by toxicology results? But even with a “positive” toxicology exam, the question of accidental or intentional could still go unanswered without a note suggesting personal intent or some other indication of depression or some motive to suggest why she would take her life?

It is now up to investigators to determine the cause for Erica Blasberg’s death and then to have the physical evidence to support their theory. While some have suggested her death in her own bed without any overt evidence of physical assault could suggest either an accidental death or suicide, others believe she had too much to live for to take her own life. She appeared to be future oriented and had not exhibited the obvious signs of suicidal ideation, signs like talking about taking her own life or giving away her possessions or otherwise preparing to close the book on her own life. But, as one friend said, “if you’re struggling on the tour, it can be very stressful. You’re trying to make a living, you’re traveling every week.” Stress enough for anyone, noting her father suggested he thought she might even quit golf after the 2009 season.

She did have some physical injuries in the past year, injuries that could have required some type of pain medication, but there was no indication by her family that she was otherwise using, much less abusing such medications. No matter the cause of her death, she will be sorely missed by her family and friends. She was a wonderful role model for other young women that might seek to follow in her footprints. Her death is a true tragedy, a tragedy that demands an answer. How did and why did Erica Blasberg die?

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