The devastation Typhoon Haiyan wreaked on the Philippines claimed nearly 4,000 lives so far with officials saying another 1,598 are missing. Sunday, pro golfer Jason Day revealed he lost eight family members to the massive storm.
"In the deadly typhoon, Jason Day lost his grandmother, his uncle and six of his cousins. All of those cousins were children. Day is a native of Australia, but his mother is from the Philippines. Her family lived in the hardest-hit area." (Via CNN)
Day's mother spoke to the Gold Coast Bulletin saying most of the family lives in or near Tacloban, which suffered severe damage in the storm.
While it doesn't specify which children passed away, the Bulletin reports five of Day's cousins in this picture died.
Day's mother says her relatives owned a beach resort and couldn't get to higher ground, while another set of relatives survived by tying themselves together in an attic.
This was supposed to be a special week for Day.
As the #18 ranked golfer in the world, Day will tee off with fellow Australian Adam Scott in Melbourne Thursday for the World Cup of Golf.
Devastated by the news and thanking fans for prayers, Day released a statement saying, "While I understand the media's interest in this matter and hope that any coverage can spread awareness to assist with the relief efforts that continue in the Philippines, I hope that all will respect my family's privacy during this difficult time."
Day's mother told the Gold Coast Bulletin his sister is keeping him up-to-date, but they don't want him distracted as he represents his country at the World Cup.
