Jessica Bang, a promising Australian golfer, died on August 13, 2026, following a brain haemorrhage suffered while preparing for a tournament in Thailand [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. She collapsed on August 1 in Bangkok during the International Qualifying Tournament for the South Korean/KLPGA women's professional tour [1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8]. Emergency brain surgery was performed and she was placed on life support before passing away after nearly two weeks in intensive care [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8].
Bang turned professional at the end of 2025 and had quickly made an impact, winning her first professional event in just her fifth start earlier in 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8]. Prior to turning pro, she won the Queensland Amateur in 2025, and qualified for tour events with a remarkable final-round 65 [1, 8].
Born in South Korea, Bang was in Bangkok to compete in the prestigious qualifying event when the fatal brain haemorrhage occurred [2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8]. Her family set up a GoFundMe crowdfunding page to assist with her medical expenses. They said, "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." [2]
The WPGA Tour of Australasia offered condolences, calling Bang "an outstanding young talent" and expressing sympathy for her family and friends. "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," they said [2].
Bang’s collapse on August 1 triggered emergency treatment and nearly two weeks on life support before her death on August 13, 2026 [1, 2, 6, 7, 8].
