Hawaiian pro surfer Mikala Jones has tragically passed away at the age of 44 after a fatal accident while surfing in Indonesia’s Mentawai Islands. Known for his mesmerizing surfing photos and videos, Jones offered a unique first-person perspective into the sport.
The exact details of the accident that led to Jones’s death remain unclear. His daughter, Isabella, took to Instagram to confirm the devastating news, writing, “My dad got into a bad surfing accident and didn’t make it. I’m in so much disbelief.” She paid tribute to her father, sharing cherished childhood photos and expressing her disbelief at his untimely departure.
Upon hearing of Jones’s passing, the surfing community took to social media to express their condolences. The apparel company Reef, where Jones previously served as an ambassador, issued a statement praising him as a “contemporary surfing POV content creator ahead of his time” and “arguably one of the most barreled surfers on the planet.”
Surf photographer Brian Bielmann also paid tribute to Jones on Instagram, sharing a photo of the late surfer and offering prayers to his family. Jones’s death is a sobering reminder of the risks involved in pursuing one’s passion for surfing.
The Mentawai Islands in Indonesia’s West Sumatra province, where the accident occurred, are renowned for their world-class surf spots. Jones’s passing has left a void in the surfing community, with legendary surfers like Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning expressing their sadness and reminiscing about the impact Jones had on their lives.
CNN has reached out to the Indonesian National Police, USA Surfing, and the International Surfing Association for further comment on the tragic incident. As the surfing world mourns the loss of Mikala Jones, his memory will live on through the breathtaking photos and videos he captured during his extraordinary career.