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'Gone way too soon': Surfing world mourns death of a legend

Pictured here, Hawaiian legend Derek Ho during his surfing career.
Derek Ho's death has left the surfing world devastated. Pic: Twitter/Getty

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..

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

News of Ho's death left fans devastated on social media, where an outpouring of tributes were left for the surfing legend.

Ho is survived by his wife Tanya, son Makoa and daughter Kianaho.