A Hawaiian surfing star died from a severe injury sustained while surfing over the weekend. The incident occurred in the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia on Sunday, July 9.
Mikala Jones, 44, a married father of three, had been residing at the Awera Resort with his family at the time.
According to Surfline, a reputable surfing website, it is believed that Jones injured his left groin on his surfboard fin, resulting in a four-inch-long gash. Although the exact circumstances of his death remain unclear, friends of Jones took to social media to express that he had severed his femoral artery, causing a significant blood loss.
Jones was recognized in Hawaii for his expertise in tube surfing, which involves riding inside the barrel of a breaking wave. His remarkable adventures were documented through stunning GoPro videos, leading Surfline to acknowledge him as “one of the 21st century’s most photogenic surfers.”
Jones’ daughter, Isabella Jones, confirmed her father’s passing on Instagram, expressing her disbelief and sharing cherished photos of their surfing experiences together.
The global surfing community mourned the loss of Jones, with tributes pouring in from all corners. Three-time, surfing World Champion Mick Fanning shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, describing Jones as a unique person and emphasizing his loving husband and father role.
T&C Surf Designs, a surfboard-making company in Hawaii, paid homage to Jones on Facebook, recalling his calm demeanor and warm smile. They recognized his passion for deep barrel riding and his unwavering spirit of exploration.
