Over the past couple years, I have been blessed to document the lives of surfers. I have made lifelong friends in the surf world and I love my job. Yesterday, was a tough one. I was sitting in our van next to Blair (Andy and Dane’s Manager) when he started getting crazy messages. We were on our way to a waterfall for a day of fun. He ran upstairs as we waited in the van, thinking there was no way these rumors were true. Blair came back 10 minutes later crying.
I didn’t know Andy well. We had talked a couple times and I had interviewed him once. He won 3 world titles, the only dude to give Kelly a run for his money. One of the greatest surfers ever. More importantly Andy was a husband, soon-to-be dad, brother, son, and friend. He had struggles…all of us have struggles. Sal Masekela, in a story last night, told Andy this summer, “I don’t want to have to tell your kid how rad your were. That’s your job.” Lyndie, Andy’s wife, is due December 20th and I can’t even begin to fathom what is going on in her heart right now.
Life is hard, messy, and beautiful. Jesus never said it would be easy. There are questions that go unanswered. I just drove Blair to the airport having a hard but hopeful conversation. Gave him a hug and watched him walk into the airport for the longest week of his life.
All of us are flawed. We all have struggles. I have plenty! But I know that God is still good and bigger than all this.
I can’t begin to imagine the feeling down there right now, Dustin. Such heartbreaking news…
It’s hard to know what to even say, I never knew Andy and I’m still in tears. Such a loss. May God rest his Soul.
Thanks so much for sharing. Beautifully written.
Such a hard loss. He was a special person and a role model for many, many groms out there. They aspire to be him. Condolences to his family, it will be a tough week to come.
I saw Andy in the parking lot of the Bells contest taking a picture with some frothing fellow fans. I felt too cool to go up and ask for a picture myself. I wish I had now. Andy Irons is a hero of mine, and regardless of how things happened, I feel like I am a better person for having grown up watching him. There will never be another. Rest in peace A.I. God bless you and your family. Thank you for being you.