Young LPGA golfer found dead in home Sunday

The sudden death of a beautiful young LPGA golfer remained shrouded in mystery Tuesday, when her father said he has serious questions about how she died.

"At first glance, it looks like she might have taken her own life, but at second glance, something is very, very strange about it," Mel Blasberg told the Riverside Press-Enterprise in California. "Either way, I lost her and it's impossible to deal with."

Erica Blasberg, a 25-year-old two-time All-American from the University of Arizona, was found dead Sunday in her two-story, three-bedroom home in Henderson, Nev.

"She died on Mother's Day. [Her mom, Debra Blasberg] didn't get the phone call, so she knew something was wrong," the golfer's aunt, Ilene Osinski, told the Daily News.

Police won't say how she died.

Henderson police spokesman Keith Paul called it "a death investigation." He wouldn't say who placed the 3 p.m. 911 call.

Erica Blasberg's bags were packed for a trip to the Bell Micro LPGA Classic in Mobile, Ala., where she planned to play Monday. Her father said she was in a good mood.

Erica Blasberg's agent told The News he was in the dark about what happened, too. "Our frustrations are the same as the media's, trying to figure out the details," Chase Callahan said.

"Police haven't given her family or me any indication of anything."

Erica Blasberg, who turned pro in 2005, competed two weeks ago at an LPGA event in Mexico, where she tied for 44th place.

"She made a little money. She felt good. She knew this year was going to be a tough year, but she was motivated. She didn't seem down," Mel Blasberg told the California paper.

The coroner's office said it will take four to eight weeks before toxicology tests are completed.

Osinski said the golfer's divorced parents are helping each other cope.

"They're together right now and dealing with this in a good way. I know that my brother as well as the ex-wife are devastated," Osinski said.

She said her brother was close to his daughter.

"He was her manager for years and he was an amazing golfer. He went all over with her. He was one of those athletic dads that got kicked off [the course] now and then," she said.

Erica Blasberg grew up in Southern California and was in her sixth season on the LPGA tour.

A funeral is scheduled for next Wednesday in California, and there will be a memorial service at Eagle Glen Golf Club.

"She was 25," Callahan said. "She hadn't reached her peak yet."

-NY Daily News