Alexander Barrett Musser

Alec Musser, an avid adventure seeker and beloved public figure, took his life on January 13th at his home in Del Mar, California. He was 50 years old. The mountains and water were a constant in Alec's life and where he found peace and joy. The Musser family is grateful for the outpouring of love, shared stories, and compassion from every chapter of Alec's life.

Alec was born in New York City to Louise Siegel Musser and the late Peter Miller Musser. Alec and his older brother John grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey and spent much of their childhood visiting their family in Aspen, Colorado. He attended the Westminster School in Connecticut for high school, followed by college, starting at the University of San Diego and finishing at Connecticut College with a degree in English.

Alec's whole life was filled with duality: he was a bright honor roll student and a talented athlete. A sensitive young man that could write beautiful poetry in the morning, then smash opponents into the boards at the hockey rink in the afternoon. He had a sense of humor and a quiet side. A public persona with a private struggle with anxiety and depression.

After college, Alec's passion for adventure and helping others lead him to be on the ski patrol in Mammoth, California where he was discovered by an agent representing the modeling industry. Alec was one of the faces for Abercrombie and Fitch's legendary ad campaign in 2002, shot by Bruce Weber. This led to him modeling for GQ, Cosmopolitan, and on the cover of Men's Health and Men's Workout magazines.

Alec's good looks, charm, and charisma propelled him into the world of acting, where his ability to channel a character's emotions contributed to him winning the reality TV show I Wanna be a Soap Star 2 in 2005. Alec scored the role of Del Henry on All My Children, acting in 43 episodes and harnessing a loyal fan base. He also guest starred in Desperate Housewives in 2011. Alec's most memorable role was in Adam Sandler's film Grown Ups, where his tanned physique and surprising Canadian accent stole the scene.

Alec was happiest finding the perfect powder stash or barrel of a wave. He traveled all over the world, pursuing surf in remote locations and fresh snow in the back country of Utah and Canada. He attracted a group of like-minded adrenaline seekers, including his brother John, whom he shared many memorable adventures with including heli-skiing in the Chugach mountains in Alaska and surfing at Cloudbreak in Fiji. One of their most meaningful trips was in 2007. John recounts the trip; "Alec and I went on a surf trip by boat into some of Indonesia's most remote islands. Just the two of us, onboard discovering hidden reefs, trading waves in the tropical waters, and sharing heartfelt stories under the stars. Days filled full of adventure, bliss, and sorrow. Our father's suicide, when we were young teens, wove a deep traumatic thread throughout Alec's life. Sharing that time together, I never felt closer to my brother in those ten days and my only wish is that that deep connection could have lasted for the years to come."

Alec is survived by his mother Louise Musser of La Jolla, CA; his brother John Musser of Del Mar, CA; his aunt and uncle Marcie and Robert Musser of Aspen, CO; his aunt Susan Halby of Concord, MA; his aunt Lee Dominick of Sheridan, WY; and his 5 tight knit cousins. Alec is also survived by his fiancée, Paige Press, and his dogs Calle and Rue.

Alec cared for his family, friends and community with the same passion he reserved for sports. In his life, he was a generous donor to Zeno Mountain Farm, Guide Dogs for the Blind, San Diego Center for the Blind, and the Humane Societies in Santa Barbara and San Diego.

In honoring Alec, the Musser family encourages individuals to contribute to those in need in their communities, check in with those you care about, and look for Alec's spirit in the snow and surf. The family recognizes that despite the love from his family and friends, Alec's illness prevented him from ultimately finding his own way to be well.

Written by Alec at age 15.

"I see it is breaking nicely outside at Round Pond Beach, and drop my rusty bike. I take off my shoes, shirt, pants and jacket. I pull my cold wetsuit over me. My body is shivering with cold and excitement. First one leg, the other, my arms, and then I finally zip up my 'chill killer'. I strap the sandy cord to my ankle. I stand there on the big rock as I always do before heading out. The dark cloudy sky looks menacing, but the waves look like home. Clean 4-foot rights pumping through sets about 7 minutes apart, ideal conditions. I can't take it any longer, this is what I've come for. I run off the rock and within seconds I'm paddling towards the waves I love."

The family will be holding a private service as well as a community memorial that will be announced soon.