Vale Derek Ho
Two-time Pipeline Master Derek Ho has died at age 55, after suffering a heart attack last week.
A two-time Pipeline Masters and a four-time Hawaiian Triple Crown winner, Ho become Hawaii's first world champion in the sport at age 29, taking the title in 1993.
Mick Fanning said surfing had lost "another great soul".
"Uncle D was always such a friendly and funny guy towards me. Full of life and quirky in the amazing Ho family way," Fanning said.
"To see him still surfing places like Pipeline as good as anyone at 55 is a huge inspiration.
"Your memory, legacy and character will live on and inspire many in the future."
Fellow Hawaiian Jamie O'Brien said he was "lost for words" after Ho's death.
Ho's family included his World Cup-winning brother Michael Ho, neice Coco Ho and nephew Mason Ho.
© Australian Broadcasting Corporation. All rights reserved.
Comments
sorry to see him go
55 is pretty young.
RIP......
Too young.
Some vintage Ho right here, skip to 4mins for one of the best. Legend.
Getting slotted till the end!
The surfing world has lost another legend!
Condolences to Derek's loved ones.
Yep sad news, 55 is way too young.
RIP.
Yep he was always a surfer that dominated "my favourite waves" in my VHS collection as a grom. Once in awhile I still watch those vids, these days as a 40+ year old and am still stoked and ride those same waves in my mind with him.. Vale DH. Cheers for the small pleasures.
What a loss, RIP mate, I ask myself though was he drinking to many RED BULLS just a thought?
RIP in Derek Ho. That was a real nice clip there, he was just so casual dropping in and lining up those waves - unbelievable that someone healthy enough to surf waves like that could have a heart attack. Vale.
legend
RIP Derek Ho.
was 16 when i saw Derek win the pipe masters in '93 - with incredible form of course.
what a legend.
My grandfather died at 35 from a heart attack. I see my Cardiologist as often as they'll accept me.
I invite EVERYONE else to do the same. I do so out of love and fear.
Too young. So sad.
Vale Uncle Derek, legend, 55 and was still ripping. Condolences to his family and friends.
Heart attack at 55 and sounds like he was fit as a fiddle through surfing lots that is too young poor bugger I better book in for a check up.
I screwed my heart up years ago its been a struggle ever since that day.Its pretty scary thing wondering when the lights might go out
R.I.P. DEREK.CONDOLANCES TO YOUR FAMILY.
WILL ALWAYS BE A LEGEND OF SURFING.
LOOK AFTER YOURSELF GUYS AND GET OUT THERE OFTEN AND
ENJOY EVERY SURF!