Day flies in for World Cup saddened by loss of relatives

Eight members of Jason Day’s extended family in the Philippines have recently been confirmed dead in the wake of the destruction caused by typhoon Haiyan

The typhoon that swept across the Philippines last week has left an estimated 10,000 people dead but with most of the hardest hit region still cut off from communications, the death toll could be much higher.

Jason Day’s family has been deeply affected by the destruction and as reported in The Daily Telegraph, Jason Day has lost eight family members including six young cousins:

Among the thousands killed by the massive storm were Day’s grandmother, an uncle and six cousins. One aunt was found alive despite being swept to another village, while another aunt’s family survived after binding themselves together with rope and taking refuge in an attic.

Speaking exclusively with the Gold Coast Bulletin, Day’s mother, Dening, who migrated to Australia from the Philippines three decades ago, said her globe-trotting son had been told of the tragedies but she was yet to speak to him personally.

His mother told the Telegraph:

“My sister’s daughter was in Taiwan and she was pleading on Facebook for someone to let her know what was happening. She couldn’t get any news so she phoned her brother in Manila and told him to drive (to their village).

“That was an 18-hour drive and when he got there he saw it was devastated and that their father, six sisters and grandmother were all gone and their mother was missing.

“My daughter saw an update posted on Facebook and phoned me to translate it. She spelled out the words and I just said `they’re all gone’. We thought my entire family had died and it was three days later we found out some had lived.”

While Day has not met these members of his family it appears he is understandably struggling to comprehend the news and concerned for his mother. In a statement released by Day:

“I am deeply saddened to confirm that multiple members of my family lost their lives as the victims of Typhoon Haiyan.”

“My family and I are thankful for all who have reached out with their prayers and concern.”

“We feel devastated for all who have been affected by this horrific tragedy.”

Day will attempt to focus on this week’s World Cup of Golf tournament where he team’s up with Adam Scott at Royal Melbourne.

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