Updated 2:04 PM

Andy Irons, three time world surfing champion, was found dead in a hotel room in Dallas, Texas, this morning. The cause of death is a suspected case of Dengue Fever. He was 32 years old.

Irons, who hails from the island of Kauai, Hawaii, was on his way home from Puerto Rico where he was scheduled to surf in the Rip Curl Search event. However, he missed his heats due to illness and was taking a connecting flight home via Miami and Dallas, where he checked into the Grand Hyatt.

Puerto Rico is currently in the grip of a Dengue Fever epidemic with 16602 suspected cases, 8139 confirmed and 28 deaths. A spokesman for Irons' main sponsor, Billabong, said he was too ill to board an ongoing flight to Hawaii and passed away in his hotel room. He was found by a hotel worker after he failed to answer a wake-up call.

An autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow to determine the cause of death. If a toxicology test is required, it may take up to three months to complete.

Known for his explosive and spontaneous surfing, Irons debuted on the ASP World Tour in 1998 and went on to collect twenty elite tour victories, four Triple Crown of Surfing titles and three back-to-back World Titles.

At his peak he was the only surfer to challenge nine time world champion, Kelly Slater. The two had a fierce competitive rivalry that saw them dominate professional surfing for ten years. Slater, who is poised to win his 10th world title at the competition in Puerto Rico, has so far made no comment.

After a decade of intense competition, Irons pulled out of last years world tour citing personal issues, including a lack of competitive focus. He returned this year and was rated 16th in the world. He leaves behind a pregnant wife, Lyndie.

Official Irons Family Statement: 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. Irons, 32, withdrew from a professional surfing event in Puerto Rico last weekend due to illness, and passed away during a layover en-route to his home in Kauai, Hawaii. He had reportedly been battling with Dengue Fever, a viral disease. At this time the family thanks his friends and fans for their support, and asks that the community respect its privacy. The family also asks to not be contacted so their focus can remain on one another during this time of profound loss.