The three-times world champion was found dead at a hotel in Dallas, Texas on Tuesday (02Nov10).
Irons had reportedly been suffering from Dengue Fever in the lead-up to his shock death and had pulled out of a surfing event in Puerto Rico late last month (Oct10) to battle the viral infection.
A statement from the Association of Surfing Professionals reads, “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 American sports star, who was born and lived in Hawaii, won three consecutive world titles from 2002 to 2004 and most recently won an award in September (10) at the Billabong Pro Tahiti contest.
Irons is survived by his wife, Lyndie, who is pregnant with the couple’s first child, due in December (10).
