Hawaiian surfer Mikala Jones has died after an accident on the waves in which he reportedly severed an artery.
Jones, 44, was surfing off the coast of Indonesia’s Mentawai Islands when he reportedly severed a femoral artery. The Hawaiian died from the loss of blood.
The exact details of the death are still unclear, but other surfing legends, as well as his own daughter, have paid tribute to Jones.
Jones’ daughter Isabella shared several touching photos of her and her father together, explaining that her “father had a bad surfing accident and didn’t make it.”
She added that she was “so much in disbelief right now, this doesn’t feel real,” but she was “happy that he was doing what he loved most.”
Hawaiian surfer Mikala Jones (pictured) has died after an accident on the waves in which he reportedly severed an artery
Exact details of the death are still unclear, but fellow surfing legends, as well as his own daughter, have paid tribute to Jones (pictured)
Jones (pictured) was born and raised on Rock Point in Hawaii, surf magazine Stab reported, adding that he moved to Bali in the early 2000s
Isabella also paid tribute to her father: “I love you so much daddy and I wish I could give you one last hug. I wish I could tell you one more time how much I love you and thank you for being the best dad. I wish you were still with us, you shouldn’t have left yet. This is too early.’
She continued, “Life will never be the same without you. I miss you so much, I would do anything to get another moment even if it was us who argued and then laughed out loud.
“Thank you for teaching me so many life lessons and for always being there for me. I wish you were still with us now. I’ll always think of you Dad.’
Jones was born and raised on Rock Point in Hawaii, surf magazine Stab reported, adding that he moved to Bali in the early 2000s.
He was known within the surfing community for discovering unexplored surfing spots around the world, and he was passionate about preserving them.
Jones was also known for using a GoPro, documenting his weaving under cascading waves around the world and delivering incredible images.
During his career, a number of stills from his shots were splashed on the covers of surfing magazines and magazines.
Jones’ daughter Isabella shared several touching photos of her and her father together on Instagram as she paid tribute to him
Mick Fanning shared a photo on Instagram of Jones and himself, writing that he was “one of a kind.”
Surfing legend and three-time world champion Mick Fanning shared a photo on Instagram of Jones and himself together.
“So shocked to hear the news. Mikala, you were one of a kind. Funny, gentle, an explorer, a pioneer but above all a loving husband and father. I’m going to miss your sense of humor and classic one-liners. I love how you always kept it real but were a true ambassador of aloha.
To Emma and the girls who send so much love. Mikala loved you more than anything and would always show us photos and videos with the proudest smile on his face. Grateful to have known you for the past 25 years and honored to explore with you during that time. You will be missed. #MJalldayMay you be fooled forever as you guide your family from above. love you, brother.’
Brian Bielmann, a photographer and friend of Jones, wrote on Instagram: ‘I put on the Brian Wilson/Beach Boys album Smile, made a cup of coffee and sat down to make this very sad, sad post. Our friend Mikala Jones passed away yesterday at The Mentawais while surfing the waves he loved..
“I am so sorry and send prayers to his family. He was 44 and that is much too young. He was an amazing person, an incredible artist, his Go pro photos were amazing. …. We’re going to miss him so much.
“I’ve been sitting with her all morning trying to understand this reality. We’ll all pass it on, but it’s so shocking when it’s so unexpected. What he put into his 44 years was amazing. He lived a wonderful life, was loved by many and will never be forgotten. He left this world a beautiful soul can ask each of us to live a better life than that. Aloha Mikala We love you friend.’
Jones is survived by his wife and their three children.