The surfing world has lost one if its greatest competitors as three-time world champion, Andy Irons, has passed away at the age of 32.
According to a report by the Los Angeles Times, Irons passed away during a layover in Dallas. He was flying home to Hawaii from the Rip Curl Search event in Puerto Rico. His family released a statement confirming his death which said the legendary surfer had been suffering from symptoms similar with dengue fever.
"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," the release stated, as reported by the LA Times.
The Rip Curl Search Puerto Rico was the ninth of 10 events on the 2010 Association of Professional Surfers World Tour. Irons was ranked No. 16 in the world at the time of his death.
Irons was a legend on the Hawaiian surfing circuit, as the Kauai native won four Vans Triple Crown of Surfing titles and four Billabong Pipe Masters championships. He was well known for his "fast, yet fluid style on the surfboard."
Irons is survived by his wife Lyndie, and his brother Bruce, who is a former World Tour competitor.
