Photo: Billabong
Andy Irons R.I.P.Yesterday the internet ran abuzz with the shocking, untimely death of 3x ASP World Champion, Andy Irons. Only 32 years old, AI was a fierce competitor, one of Kelly Slater's toughest rivals and the only surfer to win at every ASP tour stop. His fellow tour mates reacted to his passing; here are their comments...

- Danny Spyra

Kelly Slater - "Andy was an absolutely gifted individual. I'm lucky to have known him and had the times we had together. I feel blessed that we worked through the differences we had and I was able to learn what I'm made of because of Andy. We enjoyed many quiet times together with our girls in the last year and I got to know a happy, funny, innocent kid who was happy to live every second with the people he loved. I'm so sad. My thoughts are with Bruce and Lyndie and their parents and all of his many friends around the world. It's a huge and far too premature loss for all of us. He was the most intense competitor I've ever known and one of the most sensitive people. He had so much life left in him and it hurts to think about. We look forward to his memory living on with our memories of him and his child on the way. There are a lot of uncles awaiting his arrival. I really miss Andy. He had a really good heart."

Mick Fanning - "Yesterday I lost not only a competitor, friend but most importantly a brother. Andy Irons you will be in my heart for eternity! R.I.P AI"

Bede Durbidge - "Absolutely devastated R.I.P Andy you will be deeply missed by everyone. A true champion. My prayers go out to the Irons family."

Jordy Smith - "RIP Andy.....Mahalo for your inspiration, sportmanship and friendship..both in and out of the water....Gonna miss you in the line up bru. Condolences to Lyndie, Bruce, the Irons family and friends at this very sad time"

Damien Hobgood - "I would like to tell you about a feeling, an experience, I would get being around Andy. I can clearly remember so many times when I would be surfing, mainly at Pipe and Teahupoo and there was this intense feeling in the water, I myself was pretty scared, then Andy would paddle out and instantly I would feel comfortable and confident just by having him in the lineup, this happened a lot. That's how great of a person he was, he wasn't good, he was great, everyone knows when they're around great people because they bring out the best in each one of us."

Luke Munro - "Absolutely devastated Andy Iron's has passed.....A.I you were a champion mate! I was privileged to have known you. So so sad.."

Ben Dunn - "So sad and shocked to hear about Andy. surfing lost a legend there!"

Tim Boal - "Very sad day for surfing,his family and friends... forever a legend."

Kieren Perrow - "Such a sad day, totally shattered. My heart goes out to Lyndie and the Irons family... Andy rest in peace."

Sunny Garcia - "My friend was a great Brother, Son, Husband, Friend and one fucking great surfer and for anyone to try and say anything bad about him would be just down right disrespectful we love you Andy and you will always be our Champion!!!!!!!!!! RIP buddy we will meet again"

Clay Marzo - "My heart is ripped right now to hear about my good buddy Andy Irons death thank you for teaching me things no one else could like how to whip a tennis racket at klevs car haha & giving me some dope surf movies to watch as a grom, I look forward to the day when I get to see you on the rock again, hopefully then I'll come packed with extra fuel hahah you will be missed my brother love and respect the marzos"

Marlon Lipke - "R.I.P. Love for family and friends"

Kekoa Bacalso - "R.I.P. A.I.!!!! YOU WILL BE MISSED!!!"

Ian Walsh - "Wow I'm absolutely in pieces right now hearing about Andy irons death. You'll be missed my friend. Sending prayers out for his family...."

Brett Simpson - "Thoughts and prayers go out to the Irons fam! Andy was a true inspiration for me and the whole surfing world! As he will always be remembered as a true CHAMPION!!! R.I.P. A.I."

Luke Stedman - "To my friend and a hero. I will miss you but you will never be forgotten. My love goes out to all the Irons family members.God bless you all"

Jeremy Flores - "Andy..a person I grew up watching, a brother and the best human being ! U will always be in my heart, RIP"

(Continued on JF's website) "This day is a very sad day, I heard about the death of a really close friend and an idol Andy Irons, I couldn't even explain how my feelings are right now still, he was a hero for me and such real person, honest and friendly I can still remember him coming to talk to me after I lost heats, he would always have the right words to say and he's one of the only person who would understand some feelings I had at some stages of my life! I still wish this is a bad nightmare and I'll wake up tomorrow morning and nothing of this would be real I mostly hope Lyndie, his wife, who's pregnant of a little Andy can get through this horrible moment well, I send a lot of love to them and will always be here for anything!"

Nate Yeomans - "RIP ANDY, you were the king in the sport of Kings, Praying for your family. very sad day!"