Maggert Withdraws From Players Championship After Brother's Death

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (AHN) -- Jeff Maggert pulled out of the second round at Sawgrass Thursday night after learning of his brother's death Thursday Night at the club house.

Barry Maggert had been flying a single-engine aircraft to Boulder, Colorado, in order to attend his son's graduation. The plane wound up about 40 miles west of Denver, crashed into a mountain.

"The PGA Tour is here with any support we can offer the Maggerts during this difficult time," said commissioner Tim Finchem.

Rescue efforts were extreme, involving horses and snow mobiles to traverse the cold terrain at 10,400 feet in altitude. The body is scheduled to be brought down on Friday.

Barry was flying with 23 year old passenger. He survived, injured - it was his call that brought rescuers to the scene so promptly. His condition is not currently known.

Before his withdrawal, Jeff shot a 72 in the first round - the exact same score as current leader Bernhard Langer. He has won 3 PGA Tour events, as well as three Ryder cup showings.

Jeff currently lives in Houston with his wife and five children. Barry leaves behind three children, twins Lee and Bryant, 23, and Taylor, 21. He was on his way to Lee's graduation when his plane went down.