LPGA's Blasberg, 25, found dead in home

LAS VEGAS - LPGA golfer Erica Blasberg died Sunday in a Las Vegas suburb, according to police and her agent.

Henderson police spokesman Keith Paul said yesterday that authorities were investigating the 25-year-old Blasberg's death. It was not immediately clear whether foul play was involved.

Paul said police responded to a 911 call and were dispatched to Blasberg's suburban three-bedroom house around 3 p.m. Sunday. Paul declined to say who made the call, saying it was part of the investigation.

Blasberg's agent, Chase Callahan, confirmed her death but declined to provide details because of the investigation.

"We are devastated to learn of the passing of Erica Blasberg," Callahan wrote in a statement. "To most of the world, Erica was known as a professional golfer, but she was more than that. She was a loving daughter to her parents and a compassionate and loyal friend. Erica had a good heart, was extremely kind and very thankful for what she had in her life."

Messages left with the coroner's office in Las Vegas yesterday were not returned.

Blasberg played her only LPGA event this year 2 weeks ago in Mexico and tied for 44th.

She had her best year on tour in 2008, when she earned a career-best tie for eighth at the SBS Open in Hawaii and had more than $113,000 in winnings.

Blasberg found greater success in college, winning six times in 2 years at the University of Arizona and playing on the Curtis Cup team in 2004. She turned professional that year.

LPGA spokesman David Higdon called Blasberg's death a "tough hit" for women's golf.

"She was a very popular player and well-liked and we're going to miss her," Higdon said. "This is a very close-knit group of players and tour and we're saddened by what happened."

LPGA player Meg Mallon said the news will "hit hard" for tour participants.

"I'm just very sad and just really kind of sick to my stomach that a life ended so young," Mallon said.

Blasberg's death was first reported by Golfweek magazine.