Hugues Oyarzabal, one of the world’s most famous surfers, has died at the age of 39, with his parents saying that he committed suicide.
They told the New York Times: ‘His physical and psychological suffering took its toll.
‘He has chosen to leave us, to rediscover the peace and serenity he has been unable to find over the last few years.’
The report, published on Thursday, also says that Oyarzabal had bipolar disorder.
He leaves behind an 13-year-old daughter that he had with his ex-wife, Jana Kondo.
The Frenchman died back in February, with the French Surfing Federation saying in a statement: ‘We were saddened to learn of the passing of one of the most gifted French surfers of any generation.
Hugues Oyarzabal, one of the world’s most famous surfers, has died at the age of 39
‘A pioneer of slabs deemed unsurfable and of on-board camera videos, the surfer from Hendaye was as comfortable in a huge Parlementia as he was on the nearest beach break; as technical in the air as he was in the tubes.
‘A citizen of the world, he had skimmed the most beautiful waves, making Indonesia his second homeland.
‘Honored on numerous occasions, including by Kelly Slater himself, his greatest achievement was passing on his love of the ocean to his daughter Kailani. We extend our sincere condolences to her and her family.’
Oyarzabal married Kondo in 2006 after meeting her in Australia and they split seven years later.
Oyarzabal considered himself to be a ‘freesurfer’ from his teenage years, surfing for enjoyment instead of competition.
He said in a 2006 interview with Surf magazine: ‘I’m always looking to try different things. I hate the idea of having a surf routine.
‘Since I left school, surfing’s become a full-time job. I dedicate every day to surfing.’
If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
