Derek Ho (1964–2020), world champion Hawaiian surfer

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Derek Ho was a world champion professional surfer. In 1993, at the age of 29, he became the men’s professional world surfing champion. He was the first Hawaii native to accomplish the feat. He was a four-time Triple Crown of Surfing champion (1984, 1986, 1988, and 1990), and two-time Pipeline Masters champion (1986 and 1993).

• Died: July 17, 2020 (Who else died on July 17?)
• Details of death: Died after suffering a heart attack at the age of 55.
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Family of surfers:

Derek is survived by his brother, and fellow champion surfer, Michael Ho. Derek’s nephew Mason Ho, and his niece Coco Ho are also professional surfers.

He described his perfect day of surfing in this video from 1994:

What people said about him:

Rest in peace to the first Hawaiian World Champion of surfing. Back when it was the #ASP. Uncle Derek Ho gone way too soon. #DerekHo #HawaiianLegend pic.twitter.com/rPbSKfLq0l

— Hannibal Starbuck (@h_starbuck_71) July 18, 2020

RIL Surf Legend #DerekHo pic.twitter.com/FTe4HnCkgg

— Kevin Luke (@tvdirguy) July 18, 2020

Derek Ho passed away –I've got a fantastic Derek Ho story but, I hate writing that kind of stuff because it's like I'm trying to make his death about me. So I'll save it. Needless to say he was a good guy & if there is any biblical justice at all he's doing this right now. pic.twitter.com/lsPvqOuO0N

— CombatRadio (@combatradio) July 18, 2020

Full obituary: KHON 2