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.

“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.”

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.

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.

In 2020, he bowled the 28th televised perfect 300 game in PBA history during the PBA Tour Finals.

Following news of his death, fellow bowlers and members of the professional bowling community paid tribute to Butturff on social media.

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!”

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