The service for Andy Irons, a champion surfer raised here on Kauai is happening today. He died two weeks ago alone in a Texas hotel room from a drug overdose that was complicated with Dengue Fever illness he was self medicating. My husband left early to go up and get a spot in the “paddle out” which is the Hawaiian version of a memorial service. Normally ashes are strewn into the surf which that person loved, while family and friends circle on their boards in solemn ceremony – and then try to catch a "big one" into the shore to honor the departed. Today there are 15 foot swells in Hanalei, thousands of people that didn't know Andy, like my husband and some that did, like my friend Linda and her sons who have surfed with him. Andy, held a Keiki surf contest every year for the kids on Kauai - to give back to the community that raised him up to world class surfing status. His end was sad and tragic as are all endings that are a result of substance abuse and the not always successful struggle to over-come it. As with all professional athletes, those at the top of surfing are at risk to the temptations of success, the parties, the access to what ever can destroy character, and life. He was a short-lived hero and I am sorry he is gone.
This is a picture of the paddle out they had in Puerto Rico the day after he died. Andy Irons had to leave a contest there early due to his illness. He was too sick to fly back to Kauai and complete the last leg of his filght home, which is why he was in the Texas hotel.
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