Jakob “Butters” Butturff, an eight-time Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) tour champion, has died. He was 32.
“Jakob was one of the most unique players in PBA history,” PBA Commissioner Tom Clark said in a statement on Friday, July 31, confirming that Butturff died “unexpectedly” in Las Vegas that same day.
“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,” the organization continued. “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.”
No cause of death has been publicly revealed at the time of publication.
Butturff was born and raised in Las Vegas, according to PBA. He later lived in Phoenix, Arizona, and Binghamton, New York.
He won his first PBA Tour title in the 2016 PBA Xtra Frame Lubbock Sports Southwest Open. Later that year, he won the PBA Xtra Frame Las Vegas Open and earned West Region and Northwest Region Player of the Year honors.
Butturff finished first at the 2017 Team USA Trials and was a Team USA member from 2017 to 2019. The athlete also won a team gold medal at the 2017 World Bowling Championships.
Two years later, Butturff and his Team USA teammates won the 2019 Weber Cup over Team Europe. He also won his first major title at the PBA Tour season that year.
Butturff bowled the 28th televised 300 game in PBA history during the 2020 PBA Tour Finals. He also amassed 27 PBA Regional Tour titles between 2016 and 2018.
Many of Butturff’s fellow PBA Tour players have paid tribute to the bowler in the wake of his shocking death.
“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 added, “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 noted, “The PBA has lost one of its kindest. I am in complete shock.”
Sharing a throwback photo with Butturff, Belmonte continued, “This was Jakob. A fierce competitor who every single time he laced his shoes up, he gave it everything. This, intertwined with a heart that had nothing but love for all made him special. Miss you mate!”
