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Golf champion rocked by tragic death of baby daughter

Camilo Villegas, pictured here with baby daughter Mia.
Camilo Villegas' daughter Mia has died at 22 months. Images: Instagram

Camilo Villegas has been rocked by the tragic death of daughter Mia at just 22 months old.

The golf superstar’s daughter had cancerous tumours in her brain and spine.

Four-time PGA Tour winner Villegas revealed last month that he and his wife Maria took their daughter to Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami for scans in March as they suspected she was not well.

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Mia underwent surgery after the tumours were found and the Villegas family were informed more treatment would be required due to persisting issues.

Villegas said during an emotional press conference in June: “After the surgery, when it was time to remove the stitches, they learned the growth had become pretty aggressive.

“We were told we needed to start treatment right away, so they kept us there. Physically, though, she wasn't ready to get the kind of chemo doctors were hoping for.”

Villegas broke down as he discussed his baby’s devastating plight.

“It's inspiring, to see my little one fighting,” he said.

“I love golf, my wife wanted me to come here and just swing the club, get my mind away.

“My wife has been very strong, and you’ve got to follow your instincts, and honestly I don’t know if my instincts are to come play this week.

“I don’t really know where my mind is. I know where my heart is. But you also have to listen to the people that love you.

“My wife said, ‘just go out there and enjoy. Golf is what you’ve done for years, golf has given you so many great things.’”

Camilo Villegas, pictured here in action at TPC Sawgrass in June.
Camilo Villegas in action at the Korn Ferry Tour's Korn Ferry Challenge at TPC Sawgrass in June. (Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)

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Villegas previously said: “She always went to the gym with me; it was one of our bonding spots.

“She was always like a little monkey, climbing on everything. But then one day, I noticed she had not been climbing on anything.

“She had also been crying a little more than normal at night.

“She had been teething, so we took her to the pediatrician, thinking it was that.”

Mia started alternative rounds off of chemotherapy, but passed away in Miami on Sunday.

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement on Monday: “The PGA TOUR is deeply saddened having lost a member of our family, Mia Villegas.

“We grieve with Camilo and Maria and our thoughts and prayers are with the Villegas family.”

with Associated Press