Derek Ho, the first Hawaiian man to win the professional surfing world championship, died at the age of 55, authorities said.
The cause of death was not disclosed by the Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office. He was reported dead on Friday.
Surf forecaster and Surfline news site reported that Ho had a heart attack and went into a coma before his death.
The Surfing Heritage and Culture Center in San Clemente, California posted a memorial on Facebook.
“Godspeed Derek Ho. His presence and spirit in Pipeline will be missed,” the statement said. “The first native Hawaiian man to be crowned world champion, his passion, drive, and good nature inspired generations.”
Surfing clothing brand and local Hawaiian organization Da Hui said on Facebook: “Mahalo for all Classic Moments. Get on.”
Ho became the first Hawaiian man to win the world tour championship at the end of his career in 1993. Among those who won the title was Kelly Slater, the most winning surfer in the history of the sport, and former champion Martin Potter.
He also won the Hawaii Pipeline Masters and Triple Crown of Surfing, which includes the Masters and big wave contests in Haleiwa and Sunset Beach multiple times.
According to the Surf Encyclopedia, Ho was a second cousin of artist Don Ho. Derek Ho’s brother Michael is a two-time Triple Crown winner and has been described as the godfather of Hawaii’s north shore, the center of professional surfing.
Michael’s son Mason is also a professional surfer.
Derek Ho was a dumb surfer, which means he surfed left-handed, with his right foot out front. He was known as an “executor” to Hawaiian locals on the north shore who sought to teach respect and order to traveling wave riders.
Surfer Kala Alexander said on Instagram: “The man. The myth. The legend. Our hero.”
