Three-time world surfing champion Andy Irons, 32, dies
It is a sad week for the surfing world and a reality check for us dudes in our early-to mid-30s. Here’s the story in LA Times this morning and also check out the great piece constructed by long-time OBX writer extraordinaire Matt Walker on Surfline. Though I never met Andy personally, I have watch and followed his career over the years and he will be missed on the WCT and in the global surf community. RIP.
Legendary surfer Andy Irons has died at the age of 32.
Pete Thomas Outdoors is reporting that the three-time world champion passed away during a layover en route from Puerto Rico to his home in Hawaii, according to the surfer’s main sponsor, Billabong.
[Updated at 4:56 p.m.: The Irons family has 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 was raised on Kauai, became ill during the Rip Curl Pro Search Puerto Rico, the ninth of 10 events on the 2010 ASP World Tour. He was apparently suffering from symptoms similar to those associated with dengue fever.
Irons is survived by his wife, Lyndie, who is pregnant with their first child, as well as his younger brother, Bruce, who is a former World Tour competitor.