Jessica Bang, 18, dies after brain haemorrhage

Jessica Bang, an 18-year-old Australian golfer, has died after suffering a brain haemorrhage; she collapsed on 1 August while preparing for a tournament in Thailand and died on Thursday.

Bang had made early progress in her career, winning her first professional event in just her fifth start earlier this year and recording notable qualifying performances on the way up.

In February she shot a final-round 65 to win a regional qualifying event that earned her a place at the NWS Women's Open on the Ladies European Tour, where she missed the cut.

She was rushed to a hospital in Bangkok and had emergency brain surgery. She remained in intensive care for nearly two weeks following the operation.

The WPGA Tour of Australasia said Bang, who turned professional at the end of 2025, was an "outstanding young talent." "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," a statement read.

A GoFundMe page set up by Bang's cousins after her collapse carried a message from family members: "We are truly heartbroken by this news." "The funds we have raised will be given to her parents to help contribute towards her medical expenses."

Bang had recently qualified to start her rookie season in the WPGA, having won the Queensland Amateur in 2025.