Golfer Camilo Villegas’s Infant Daughter, Mia, Dies From Cancerous Tumors

PGA Tour commissioner, Jay Monahan, confirmed on Monday that professional golfer Camilo Villegas’ 22-month-old daughter, Mia, died over the weekend in Miami from multiple tumors on her brain and spine.

Monahan’s statement said, “The PGA TOUR is deeply saddened having lost a member of our family, Mia Villegas. We grieve with Camilo and [wife] Maria and our thoughts and prayers are with the Villegas family.”

Last month, before the Korn Ferry Challenge, Villegas opened up about his daughter’s health problems in an emotional press conference.

The golfer said, “She always went to the gym with me; it was one of our bonding spots. She was always like a little monkey, climbing on everything. But then one day, I noticed she had not been climbing on anything. She had also been crying a little more than normal at night. She had been teething, so we took her to the pediatrician, thinking it was that.”

Villegas revealed that after he and his wife took Mia to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, they learned tumors were growing on their daughter’s brain and spine. Mia underwent surgery soon after, but the doctors recommended even more treatment post-surgery.

The golfer previously shared, “It’s not easy, but I have actually seen Mia playing while she’s crying. She does want to play. She’s a kid. She’s young and naive, but she’s also really tough. We just don’t know. The doctors explained that sometimes the tumors grow fast and disappear fast.”

After the Korn Ferry Tour event in June, Villegas took a break from golf to focus on his daughter’s health. Villegas has also publicly applauded his wife for her handling of the tough time in their family.

“My wife has been very, very strong. But, at the same time, I’ve also known that there is no option other than to be strong,” the golfer said.

In her latest Instagram post shared in May, Maria talked about her daughter and her health journey.

“Mia, being your mom has been the greatest gift in my life! I thank God every day for this experience that we are going through together Yes, it has been the most difficult challenge I have ever experienced but it has also been the most beautiful,” she wrote. “I am thankful for the lessons. You are the strongest warrior and I am so proud of you, of us.