Jakob Butturff, eight-time PBA Tour champion, dies unexpectedly at 32
Bowling alley. Focus is on background.
Eight-time Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour champion Jakob Butturff has died unexpectedly at the age of 32, the PBA announced Friday.
Butturff, who captured eight PBA Tour titles during his career, earned his lone major championship at the 2019 USBC Masters and was widely regarded as one of the sport's most distinctive competitors because of his unconventional bowling style.
The PBA did not disclose a cause of death.
What they're saying:
"Jakob was one of the most unique players in PBA history," PBA Commissioner Tom Clark said in a statement. "Fans marveled at his delivery, as he rode a wave of strikes into becoming a top player in the sport, capable of winning at any time, in any event. Jakob was kind, he was respectful, and he was a champion. He will never be forgotten. Our hearts are with all Butters touched on his one-of-a-kind journey."
Dig deeper:
Butturff's breakthrough came during the 2016 season, when he won his first two PBA Tour titles and dominated the PBA Regional Tour. That year, he claimed a record nine regional titles and was named both the West Region and Northwest Region Player of the Year.
Over the course of his career, Butturff won 27 PBA Regional Tour titles and added Northwest Region Player of the Year honors in 2017 and 2018.
His most successful season came in 2019. In addition to winning three PBA Tour titles, including the USBC Masters, Butturff finished runner-up to Jason Belmonte in the PBA World Championship. He also placed second behind Belmonte in both points and earnings and finished second in voting for the Chris Schenkel PBA Player of the Year award.
A seven-time member of Team USA, Butturff won the 2017 QubicaAMF World Cup and helped the United States capture multiple gold and silver medals in international competition.
In 2020, he bowled the 28th televised perfect 300 game in PBA history during the PBA Tour Finals.
Local perspective:
Following news of his death, fellow bowlers and members of the professional bowling community paid tribute to Butturff on social media.
"It ain't supposed to be like this," EJ Tackett wrote. "It's nothing short of soul crushing. Butters was one of the guys that would give the shirt off his back for anyone in need and he showed that time and time again. The bowling world lost today and it will never be the same. We all love you buddy. Until we meet again my friend."
AJ Johnson also remembered Butturff, writing, "Butters, I don't even have the words right now, but just know you will be missed, loved, and always remembered! You had one of the biggest hearts and made everyone laugh! I love you Butters, now go give your mom the biggest hug you always gave us!"
Jason Belmonte, a fellow PBA star, added: "The PBA has lost one of its kindest."
The backstory:
Born and raised in Las Vegas, Butturff also lived in Phoenix and Binghamton, New York.
The Source: Information in this story came from an announcement and biographical information released by the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA), which confirmed Jakob Butturff's death and detailed his career accomplishments. This story was reported from Los Angeles.