Mick Fanning’s brother’s cause of death revealed after surf legend suffered a third family tragedy

New details have emerged about the death of Mick Fanning’s older brother, Ed, after the surfing legend suffered another shocking family tragedy.

Ed, 48, was Mick’s last surviving brother and died this week in Madagascar, where he worked as a surf guide.

World Surgery Champion Mick paid an emotional tribute to his older brother on Instagram, saying: ‘You introduced us all to surfing, the joy and freedom of riding a wave. The meaning of going to the ends of the earth to find waves….”

Mick, one of four brothers, saw his three siblings die prematurely after Peter died in 2015 while Sean died in a car accident in Coolangatta in 1998.

And now the Kirra Surfriders Club, of which the Fanning brothers were members, explained the cause of Ed’s death.

Edward Fanning, 48, died earlier this week in Madagascar

“It is with very sad and heavy hearts that we say goodbye to one of our wonderful and beloved KSC members, Ed Fanning,” the club wrote on its Facebook page.

‘As many of you know, Ed has lived and worked in Madagascar since Covid and loved the place so much that he took up citizenship there.

‘Ed suffered a cut on his foot, which unfortunately became so badly infected that he had to be rushed by boat to the nearest major town, an hour away, to be admitted to hospital.

‘The hospital did everything they could to help Ed, but the infection was too strong and Ed’s heart failed.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the entire Fanning family at this very difficult time.”

The club added that Blair Rodgers, another Kirra member, was by Ed’s side throughout his ordeal and was a ‘huge help’ to the family.

Mick’s tribute, posted on Tuesday night, read: “Ed, I love you my brother,” he began. “You have taught me so much over the years about all that life has to offer. The good and the bad, you were my teacher. You introduced us all to surfing, the fun and freedom of riding a wave.

His surf club says his heart ‘failed’ after a serious infection

‘The meaning of going to the ends of the earth to find waves to following a passion in the belief that surfing could be the ultimate job. As the years passed, you fell in and out of the ocean, but your pure talent always shone through.

“That’s where you ended up in teaching kids the fun of riding a wave. Without you, I’m not sure what the world would have made of me, so thank you.

“Ed, you had the biggest heart and were too loyal for your own good. Always standing up for the underdog and caring for those who needed help. You gave everyone everything you had, and if you didn’t have it, you would still give it to them.

“You made your friends feel like superheroes and you gave so many people the funniest memories that will last a lifetime.

“I know you had a hard time finding your happy place sometimes. It warms my heart to know that you have found it over the years. Every time we spoke, hearing the excitement in your voice filled me with hope.

“I wish you could accept all the love people would give you. You weren’t perfect, but no one wanted you to be. We just loved Ed. The Larrikin who threw a Shaka in every photo and screamed at the top of his lungs.

“As you dance down that last road into that eternal sunset, know that we all love you, buddy. YEEEEEEEEWWW HAHA.

‘Thank you to all the family and friends who have shown us love and supported us during this difficult time. And thanks to Ed’s family and friends in Madagascar, who showed him that happiness is real. Lots of love’.