A 56-year-old American surfer has died following a wipeout at Teahupo’o last week.
According to other media sources, the surfer, who has not been publicly identified, was surfing with friends at the Tahitian slab when the incident occurred on Thursday.
“The victim fell off his board, hit his head on the reef and broke two vertebrae in his neck,” Teahupo’o mayor Milton Parker told local media.
Another American surfer in the lineup reportedly reached the victim first and was able to resuscitate him in the water. He was then transported to shore by boat and taken to hospital.
After remaining in critical condition for several days, the surfer passed away on 19 June.
The break has been the site of numerous serious injuries over the years, including those suffered by big wave chargers Tom Lowe and Keala Kennelly. However, considering the waves reputation and the ever-growing crowds in the lineup there has been few fatalities.
Our thoughts are with the surfer’s family, friends and the community following this tragic loss.
