Current:Home > Contact-usSurfer Mikala Jones Dead at 44 After Surfing Accident-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Surfer Mikala Jones Dead at 44 After Surfing Accident
View Date:2024-12-23 23:50:22
The surfing community has lost one of their own.
Mikala Jones died at age 44 following a surfing accident over the weekend, according to his daughter Isabella Jones.
"I'm not sure how to put this in words, but my dad got into a bad surfing accident and didn't make it," she wrote on Instagram July 9. "Im happy he was doing what he loved the most."
Alongside throwback photos of herself and her dad, Isabella also reflected on the tragic loss, writing, "I'm in so much disbelief right now, this doesn't feel real. I love you so much dad and i wish i could give you one last hug."
She continued in her tribute to Mikala, "I wish i could tell you again how much i love you and thank you for being the best dad. I wish you were still here with us, you weren't supposed to leave yet. This is too soon. I know you are in a good place now with nana vi, and your friends. I wish this never happened and we could just wake up and go surf together tomorrow morning."
Writing that she "would do anything to get one more moment" with her father, Isabella added, "Thank you for teaching me so many life lessons, and always being there for me. I wish you were still here with us right now. I will always be think about you dad. i love you so much, thank you for everything. fly high. ur a f--king legend."
The Hawaiian pro surfer, known for tube-riding around the globe, is considered to be "one of the 21st century's most photogenic surfers," per Surfline. He often documented his surfs on his GoPro, giving a unique perspective inside the barrels he rode.
Mikala's sponsor, Matuse wetsuits, described him as "intelligent and sophisticated," per Beach Grit.
"He's street smart and savvy but never one to front," the company continued. "Magnanimous, yet, Mikala is also uber-mysto about the secret spots he guards. He is a private family man with residences in Haleiwa and Bali. However, because of Mikala's personality, professionalism and smooth hand-jiving style he's a jet-setter who handpicks each year's photo excursions."
In the wake of Mikala's passing, many from the surfing community took to social media to pay their respects, with 11-time World Surf League champion Kelly Slater writing in the comments section of Isabella's post, "Legend."
Added Puerto Rican surf star Tia Blanco, "Your dad was one of the nicest humans I've encountered in the sufing community. So sad to hear this news. Sending you love & strength. So sorry about this."
Meanwhile, photographer Nathan Myers penned his own touching tribute, writing alongside photos he took of Mikala, "Hard to find the words here… I'm not ready to say goodbye. I met Mikala 25 years ago on my first Surfing Mag editorial trip to Galapagos. I would stay at his house on North Shore for years after, and shared some of the best waves of my life with him at Rocky Point. When we moved to Bali, we were neighbors for a decade. You showed me the way."
Nathan reflected on their memories together, adding in part, "Our families became entwined. Wives. Kids. Friends. Too many memories to peel apart… all flooding back now."
He continued, "I'm grateful for our last time hanging out. That was a good one. Surfing with the kids and sharing all-day sunset beers overlooking the pier in Oceanside and laughing a lot. We were looking forward to more adventures in the future. But now… well, we'll carry you with us, brother. And we'll be grateful for everything we shared in those present tense moments together. What a legend you are."
veryGood! (2)
Related
- Cleveland Browns’ Hakeem Adeniji Shares Stillbirth of Baby Boy Days Before Due Date
- '7th Heaven' stars address Stephen Collins' 'inexcusable' sexual abuse on rewatch podcast
- How many points did Caitlin Clark score today? Rookie season ends with WNBA playoffs loss
- How to watch People's Choice Country Awards, where Beyoncé, Zach Bryan lead 2024 nominees
- Alexandra Daddario shares first postpartum photo of baby: 'Women's bodies are amazing'
- Opinion: Who is Vince McMahon? He can't hide true self in 'Mr. McMahon' Netflix series
- Parents will have to set aside some earnings for child influencers under new California laws
- Artem Chigvintsev breaks silence on his arrest after prosecutors decide not to charge him
- Jake Paul's only loss led him to retool the team preparing him to face Mike Tyson
- Derrick Rose, a No. 1 overall pick in 2008 and the 2011 NBA MVP, announces retirement
Ranking
- See Leonardo DiCaprio's Transformation From '90s Heartthrob to Esteemed Oscar Winner
- Hurricane Helene is unusual — but it’s not an example of the Fujiwhara Effect
- Local officials in upstate New York acquitted after ballot fraud trial
- Sen. Raphael Warnock is working on children’s book inspired by the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000
- Japan to resume V-22 flights after inquiry finds pilot error caused accident
- Republican Wisconsin congressman falsely suggests city clerk was lying about absentee ballots
- Best Gifts for Studio Ghibli Fans in 2024: Inspired Picks from Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away & More
- Adam Brody Shares His Surprising Take on an O.C. Revival
Recommendation
-
Monument erected in Tulsa for victims of 1921 Race Massacre
-
Julie Chrisley's 7-year prison sentence upheld as she loses bid for reduced time
-
Zelenskyy is visiting the White House as a partisan divide grows over Ukraine war
-
Egg prices again on the rise, with a dozen eggs over $3 in August: Is bird flu to blame?
-
Tennessee fugitive accused of killing a man and lying about a bear chase is caught in South Carolina
-
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh says Justin Herbert's ankle is 'progressing'
-
It's not just fans: A's players have eyes on their own Oakland Coliseum souvenirs, too
-
Judges set to hear arguments in Donald Trump’s appeal of civil fraud verdict