'Gone way too soon': Surfing world mourns death of a legend
The surfing world is mourning the passing of a legend, following news of former world champion Derek Ho's death.
The Hawaiian, who was 55, suffered a heart attack last Friday and had been in a coma since.
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Ho became legendary in his homeland after becoming the first Hawaiian in history to win a world surfing title in 1993.
The momentous feat opened the door for fellow countrymen such as Sunny Garcia (2000), Andy Irons (2002, 03 and 04) and John John Florence (2016 and 2017) to win world titles and follow in his footsteps..
#BREAKING: KITV4 has learned that famed former pro surfer Derek Ho has died of a heart condition at 55-years-old.
He was the first ever Native Hawaiian World Surfing Champion.https://t.co/bKPHHc9uX0 pic.twitter.com/Nl51uALdyE— KITV4 (@KITV4) July 18, 2020
Ho also won the triple Hawaiian crown four times (1984, 1986, 1988 and 1990) and took the Pipe Masters twice (1986 and 1993).
The World Surf League confirmed Ho's death in a touching statement that paid homage to the Hawaiian's surfing legacy.
“It’s horribly sad to learn of the passing of Derek Ho. A four-time Triple Crown Winner, a two-time Pipe Master and the winner of the 1993 World Title, Derek left an indelible mark on the international surfing world and has been a pillar of the North Shore community for five decades,” the World Surf League said in a statement. “Our hearts are with his loved ones. He will be missed. He will be remembered.”
Surfing’s world body also shared a couple of videos of the surfing legend in action.
Surfing world remembers a legend
Derek Ho's still got it, here he is just a few days ago at Pipeline 🔥
Video: Jason Shibata pic.twitter.com/IJhIzdHJIU— World Surf League (@wsl) November 1, 2019
How Derek Ho survived this one at Pipe will forever be a mystery. 👏
Video: Michael Veltman pic.twitter.com/ET1AVUPCKF— World Surf League (@wsl) May 5, 2020
News of Ho's death left fans devastated on social media, where an outpouring of tributes were left for the surfing legend.
Legend never die 😔💔 RIP uncle D. Real soldier of the good vibes. Soldier of the sea. Love you guys. I will remember this vibe always pic.twitter.com/M3kbVai8ML
— Jeremy Flores (@floresjeremy) July 18, 2020
RIP Derek .....Condolences To The Ho Family #Hawaii
— robrjs (@venrjs) July 18, 2020
So terribly sorry to hear this heartbreaking news... RIP 🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊✨🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
— SurfersRoom! (@SurfersRoom) July 18, 2020
RIP Pipemaster!!!
— Francis Irineu (@fririneu) July 18, 2020
Derek Ho - world champion, two time Pipe master and four times Tripe Crown champ has died. RIP.https://t.co/SNlShHrW2t pic.twitter.com/YWLb76GOb9
— CARVE Surfing Magazine (@CarveMag) July 18, 2020
Rest in peace to the first Hawaiian World Champion of surfing. Back when it was the #ASP. Uncle Derek Ho gone way too soon. #DerekHo #HawaiianLegend pic.twitter.com/rPbSKfLq0l
— Hannibal Starbuck (@h_starbuck_71) July 18, 2020
Derek Ho my surfing idol. RIP😪😪
— siva1308 (@sivaslayer) July 18, 2020
Hawaii's 1st world champion, Derek Ho, passes away at 55. Deepest condolences to Mason, Coco, and the other members of the Ho family.
Aloha nui loa.
Rest in peace, Legend. pic.twitter.com/oJbK41YSSV— J.B. ☠️🤙🏼 (@DwgpndSurf) July 18, 2020
Ho is survived by his wife Tanya, son Makoa and daughter Kianaho.
