Earlier today Tracks received word from a reliable source that former CT surfer, Chris Davidson, had died after an altercation outside a pub in South West Rocks, on the NSW mid-north coast.

Although the police have not released the name of the person who died, the report below appeared on the official NSW police website.

“Shortly after 11pm (Saturday 24 September 2022), emergency services were called to Sportsmans Way, South West Rocks, after reports a man had allegedly been punched to the face outside a licenced premises and fell to the ground, hitting his head on the pavement.

Officers from Mid North Coast Police District attended and located a 45-year-old man unconscious.

He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Kempsey Hospital, where he died a short time later.”

Multiple sources later told Tracks that the person who passed away in hospital was Chris Davidson.

At the height of his powers ‘Davo’ was considered one of the most gifted surfers in the world. In the early 90s he became a celebrated member of the Rip Curl Search team, travelling the globe alongside the likes of Tom Curren to shoot free-surfing parts. While he struggled with consistency in contests, Davidson eventually climbed to number 14 in the world, in 2010.      

In 1996, 19-year-old Davidson was granted a wildcard into the Rip Curl Pro Bells and famously defeated Kelly Slater in two consecutive heats. One win came on a borrowed board with no leg-rope. Davidson’s surfing always had an x-factor and an unpredictable edge, which helped him generate a major fan base. Nathan Hedge, who grew up surfing with Davidson at Narrabeen and also joined him on the Search team, offered the following tribute. “He had a huge heart and lived full throttle. Love ya bradda Davo.”      

Davo talks you through the memorable double victory over Slater

While Davo’s talent was undeniable, he also had a reputation for courting trouble. Over the course of his volatile career, he had a string of drink-driving offences and was lucky to survive a car-crash in 2016, when he hit a telegraph pole whilst driving under the influence of alcohol.  Meanwhile, the surfing world is littered with colourful tales involving the mercurial natural footer.           

No doubt more details from this tragic story will emerge. In the meantime we mourn the loss of a surfer who cultivated a cult following from the time he was a teenager.