Golf legend Seve Ballesteros has died at the age of 54, his family have confirmed via his official website.
The Spaniard, who won five majors and was instrumental in growing golf's popularity, passed away at 0110 BST this morning due to respiratory failure. Ballesteros had fought a long battle with a neurological condition since being diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2008.
The family's statement at
www.seveballesteros.com read: "At 02:10 hours [Spanish time], Seve Ballesteros - accompanied by his family at his home in Pedrena - died due to respiratory failure. The family appreciates all the expressions of support and affection they have received since Seve was admitted on October 5, 2008 at the Hospital Universitario La Paz in Madrid.
The statement further read: "At the same time, please respect our privacy at such a painful time. Thank you very much."
