Local LPGA pro Blasberg, 25, found dead

Erica Blasberg, a seven-year professional on the LPGA Tour and a Henderson resident since 2006, was found dead Sunday at her Anthem home, police said.

Blasberg was 25.

Henderson police are investigating the death and have not ruled out any possibilities.

"At this point we're calling it a death investigation," police spokesman Keith Paul said Monday. "We're investigating the circumstances surrounding her death."

Blasberg, a native of Corona, Calif., turned pro in 2004 and had her only top-10 finish in 2008. She played one LPGA tournament this year, finishing tied for 44th in the Tres Marias Championship in Morelia, Mexico, which ended May 2.

Blasberg was hampered by a bad back in 2009, resulting in the worst year of her career and limitations on her LPGA playing privileges this season.

Her agent, Chase Callahan, said Blasberg had been feeling better physically and was optimistic about her future.

"She was healthy and she was looking forward to a big year," he said. "We're just devastated by this. It's a painful loss."

Callahan said he could not offer any insight into Blasberg's death.

"We're letting the police do their investigation and we're not going to have any further comment at this time," he said.

Paul said police received a 911 call about 3 p.m. Sunday and a unit was dispatched to Blasberg's address. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Clark County Coroner's Office said it would not release the cause of death until completion of an autopsy.

Blasberg's personal website was still online Monday afternoon. Her Facebook and Twitter accounts had recently been closed, according to a source close to the player.

Blasberg was an All-American in her only two seasons at the University of Arizona. She was voted national Freshman of the Year in 2003.

Blasberg, who made $326,872 in LPGA earnings, had her best year in 2008 when she made the cut in 11 of 23 events and had earnings of $113,428. Her best professional finish, a tie for eighth, came that year in the SBS Open in Kahuku, Hawaii.

Funeral arrangements are pending, Callahan said.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.