Death of a hero - RIP Andy Irons

I woke this morning with the shocking news that World Champion surfer, Andy Irons, had died of Dengue Fever in a Dallas Hotel Room. What? I mean are you serious? Apparently he contracted the disease while surfing the WCT event in Portugal. Dengue Fever, really? Andy had not turned up for his heats at the Rip Curl Pro, Costa Rica, and there was much speculation about this. As it turns out, things were way worse than anyone could imagine.

Andy was often misunderstood, often maligned, but he was a true champion. He had his own personal battles - many speculated about drugs and other periods of darkness - but at the end of the day he was a world champion, a husband and a brother.

I met Andy in JBay in 1998. He was young, full of life and was not doing to well on the tour. He loved the party, I can attest to nights out with a bottle or 3 of Jack Daniels, girls and very good times. But this never changed his focus in the water - he went hard no matter what he was doing! So to me, it was even more special and amazing when he not only went on to become World Champion, but a 3 time world champion. Andy changed the face of professional surfing in a time when all the world knew was Kelly Slater and his dominion of the sport. Andy not only defied the norm, he beat Slater at his own game. In my opinion, we have Andy Irons to thank for the current high level of surfing on the World Tour.



The Iron's family released the following statement:
The world of surfing mourns an incredibly sad loss today with the news that Hawaii’s Andy Irons has died. Andy was a beloved husband, and a true champion.
Irons, 32, withdrew from a professional surfing event in Puerto Rico last weekend due to illness, and passed away during a layover en-route to his home in Kauai, Hawaii. He had reportedly been battling with Dengue Fever, a viral disease.
At this time the family thanks his friends and fans for their support, and asks that the community respect its privacy. The family also asks to not be contacted so their focus can remain on one another during this time of profound loss.
Irons, who began his career with the elite ASP World Tour in 1998, went on to collect 20 elite tour victories, four Triple Crown of Surfing Titles, three consecutive ASP World Titles and change the sport forever with his unparalleled ability and comprehensive approach to surfing.

My thoughts and indeed the thoughts of all surfers who were amazed, inspired and intrigued over the years by this amazing man and surfer, go out to the Irons Family and Andy's wife. We know he is surfing perfect waves, just waiting for you guys to join him!

Mahalo Andy!

Info on Dengue Fever:
Wikipedia