Pro Surfer Mikala Jones Dead at 44 After Unforeseen Accident
Hawaiian professional surfer Mikala Jones passed away at the age of 44 while surfing in North Sipora in Indonesia.
As reported by Surfline, Jones and his family were staying at the Awera Resort at the time. On Sunday, July 9, at approximately 9:15 a.m., Jones was surfing when he suffered an accident involving his surfboard that caused a long wound on the inside of his left groin.
Jones was quickly escorted by boat to Tuapejat Pier where he was rushed to Mentawai Hospital by staff. He was declared dead at the hospital.
No further details have been shared yet.
After news came out about Jones' passing, his daughter Isabella shared an emotional message about her father on Instagram.
Alongside photos of the two and various personal moments, she wrote, "I’m not sure how to put this in words, but my dad got into a bad surfing accident and didn’t make it. I'm happy he was doing what he loved the most. Life will never be the same without you. I miss you so much, i would do anything to get one more moment, even if it was us arguing and then laughing our asses off."
She went on, "Thank you for teaching me so many life lessons, and always being there for me. I wish you were still here with us right now. I will always be think about you dad ❤️ i love you so much, thank you for everything ❤️ fly high 🕊️ ur a f-----g legend."
Brian Bielmann, surf photographer and close friend, shared a couple of photos of Jones and noted his passing, before writing, "We’re gonna miss him so much. I’ve been sitting her all morning trying to grasp this reality . We all will pass on but it’s so shocking when it’s so unexpected like this.
"What he packed into his 44 years was astounding. He lived a great life was loved by many and will never be forgotten. He left this world a beautiful soul can any of us ask to live a better life than that .Aloha Mikala We love you buddy," he concluded.
Many more friends and colleagues in the surfing world also shared similar tributes, condolences, and kind messages about Mikala after his death.
Jones is survived by his wife, Emma, their children, and his three siblings, fellow professional surfers Malia, Keoni, and Daniel Jones.
