The world of professional bowling is in mourning after the sudden death of one of its biggest stars at the age of just 32.
Jakob Butturff died ‘suddenly’ on Friday to leave his friends and rivals heartbroken, with the news confirmed by the Professional Bowlers Association.
In a statement, which did not reveal the cause of death, PBA commissioner Tom Clark said: ‘Jakob was one of the most unique players in PBA history.
‘Fans marveled at his delivery, as he rode a wave of strikes into becoming a top player in the sport, capable of winning at any time, in any event. Jakob was kind, he was respectful, and he was a champion.ย
‘He will never be forgotten. Our hearts are with all Butters touched on his one-of-a-kind journey.’
After the news was announced, tributes immediately began to pour in, with fellow bowler EJ Tackett sharing an emotional post.
Jakob Butturff has died at the age of 32, but no cause of death has yet been announced
Butturff is pictured alongside his girlfriend Mya, who he recently paid tribute to on Instagram
‘It ain’t supposed to be like this,’ he wrote on social media. ‘It’s nothing short of soul crushing.ย
‘Butters was one of the guys that would give the shirt off his back for anyone in need and he showed that time and time again. The bowling world lost today and it will never be the same. We all love you buddy. Until we meet again my friend.’
Butturff was an eight-time PBA Tour champion and won one major, the 2019 USBC Masters.
He first burst onto the scene in 2016 when he won his first two PBA Tour titles and dominated the PBA Regional Tour, winning a record nine trophies.
He was also a seven-time member of Team USA, helping them to multiple gold and silver medals, and in 2019 was even nominated for an ESPY Award.
Butturff was born and raised in Las Vegas, but also lived in Phoenix, Arizona, and Binghamton, New York, according to the PBA.
The bowler, who was 32 when he died, last posted on social media in March to celebrate a recent performance.
A month prior to that, he posted a poignant tribute to his girlfriend Mya on Valentine’s Day, admitting it was ‘rough’ to leave her and go away on tour.
‘It’s never “bye”, it is “I’ll see you soon”, he wrote.ย
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