Pro Golfer Jarrod Lyle Dead at 36

Australian pro golfer Jarrod Lyle has died at age 36 after a long battle with cancer.

His wife Briony Lyle announced the news on Thursday, saying in a statement to Golf Australia, "It breaks my heart to tell everyone that Jarrod is no longer with us. He passed away peacefully at 8.20 p.m. last night having spent his final week among his family and close friends."

Jarrod is also survived by the couple's daughters, Lusi, 6, and Jemma, 2.

"Lusi, Jemma and I are filled with grief and now must confront our lives without the greatest husband and father we could ever have wished for," Briony continued in her statement. "At the same time, we have been blessed and overwhelmed with the messages and actions of support from around the world and feel comforted that Jarrod was able to happily impact so many people throughout his life. Our humble thanks to you all. Jarrod was able to take in many of the unbelievably kind and generous acts and words in his final few days and was overwhelmed by the emotional outpouring."

"He asked that I provide a simple message: 'Thanks for your support, it meant the world. My time was short, but if I've helped people think and act on behalf of those families who suffer through cancer, hopefully it wasn't wasted,'" the statement said, adding, "We will hold an intimate and private family service in the coming days. There will be a public memorial service at The Sands in Torquay at a date to be announced later. As per Jarrod's wish, please donate to Challenge in lieu of gifts or flowers."

Jarrod's wife had said last week on social media that he had ended his treatment for acute myeloid leukemia and would leave a hospital and undergo palliative care while spending his final days with his family.