Three-time world surfing champion Andy Irons has died after becoming seriously ill during an Assn. of Surfing Professionals' World Tour competition in Puerto Rico. He was only 32.
Irons leaves behind a pregnant wife, Lyndie, and younger brother, Bruce, who is a former World Tour competitor.
Irons died in Dallas during a layover while between flights from Puerto Rico to his home in Hawaii. His body was discovered in a hotel room Tuesday morning, after he failed to respond to a wake-up call.
He had been ill and was said to have contracted dengue fever, but investigators found sleeping pills and anti-depressants in his room. An autopsy was performed Wednesday and lab results might become available Friday.
Irons, who was raised on Kauai, withdrew from the Rip Curl Search Puerto Rico on Sunday. He cited an illness contracted during a previous competition in Portugal.
Irons was known for his fast but fluid style on a surfboard, and for his epic heat battles with Kelly Slater, many of which occurred as Irons was reeling off his titles in succession from 2002-04.
Irons also was a dominant force in Hawaii, where he won four prestigious Vans Triple Crown of Surfing titles and four Billabong Pipeline Masters championships. The Triple Crown is scheduled to begin next week.
Irons' death comes at a time when Slater, 38, pro surfing's most accomplished athlete, is in Puerto Rico trying to clinch a tenth world title.
Irons had his ups and downs after his title run and often struggled. He took last year off, citing personal reasons, but being married seemed to give him new inspiration. He returned to the tour this season and is presently ranked No. 16 in the world.
Irons' wife is scheduled to give birth to the couple's first child, a son, in December.
-- Pete Thomas
Editor's note: A similar version of this post is on the GrindTv.com surf and outdoor blogs
Been surfing for 38 years. I'm from Florida and had surfed in the carridean, Mexico to California. I was in amateur surfing for a short time in the 80's. It has been absolutely unreal to surf with some of the best surfers in the world. I know the surfer feeling. It's the best thing I have done in my life. I was lucky to surf in the 1986 united states amateur surfing championships as a alternate in the masters division and came out on top. Kelley Slater won the boy's division. I only wish I could have surfed with another true dedicated surfer like Andy Irons. I seen a lot of surfing video's of him. He is another surfer in my time that will be greatly missed. Jay Ollis
Posted by: Jay ollis | Nov 05, 2010 at 04:26 PM
My heart goes out to the family of Andy Irons. We love you Andy and you definitley left a mark as a surfing legend in Hawaii. Definitley way too soon to happen but we know u are now watching over us....
Posted by: Christian Williams | Nov 03, 2010 at 03:11 PM
I can't believe it! I can't even find words! I had the honor of meeting Irons several times at events throughout southern California! He was a class act, he was such a nice guy! I loved watching him tear through the surf! I hurt so much for his family! I am so sorry for the loss! Andy your family will be in my prayers! You went out a legend! Way too soon! My heart ACHES!
Posted by: Aaron Galitzen | Nov 03, 2010 at 02:19 PM