Australian golfer Jessica Bang has died after suffering a brain hemorrhage while in Thailand for a qualifying tournament. She was 18.
The WPGA Tour of Australasia confirmed Bang’s death in a statement via News.com.au on Thursday, August 13, with the organization offering its condolences to her family, friends and loved ones.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the WPGA Tour of Australasia and the broader Australian golf community are with Jessica’s family, friends and all those who knew and loved her at this incredibly difficult time,” the statement read.
Bang, who was considered one of Australia’s promising young golfing talents, had been in Bangkok to compete in the KLPGA Tour’s International Qualifying Tournament when she suffered the medical emergency.
After collapsing on August 1, Bang was taken to Bangkok’s Synphat Ramintra Hospital, where she underwent emergency brain surgery.
Prior to her death, Bang’s cousins, Summer and Amelia, launched a GoFundMe campaign for the rising golf star. The fundraising campaign description detailed Bang’s condition, initially revealing she was receiving treatment in intensive care and was on life support.
The family originally intended to raise money to bring Bang back to Australia from Thailand so she could recover surrounded by her loved ones and her community.
Summer and Ameilia updated the GoFundMe page on Thursday to confirm Bang’s death and pay a heartfelt tribute to their cousin.
“We would like to thank everyone for your overwhelming support and well-wishes. Sadly, Jessica passed away this morning, 13 August 2026, at Synphaet Ramintra Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, 7:20 am local time,” they wrote. “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.”
The update continued, “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.”
Summer and Amelia also shared details of where the fundraising money will now be directed following Bang’s death. The campaign had raised more than $40,000 at the time of publication.
“The funds we have raised will be given to her parents to help contribute towards her medical expenses,” they wrote. “Once again, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported Jessica and our family through this incredibly difficult time.”
In the past year, Bang had started to make her mark on the Australian golfing scene, including with a win at the 2026 Ford Women’s NSW Open Regional Qualifying Event at Moss Vale in February.
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