NORTH SIPORA, INDONESIA: Mikala Jones, 44, a professional surfer from Hawaii, died in a tragic surfing accident, according to his daughter Isabella Jones. "I'm not sure how to put this in words, but my dad got into a bad surfing accident and didn't make it," she shared on Instagram on Sunday, July 9, adding, "Im happy he was doing what he loved the most."
Along with penning the heartfelt obituary for her father, Isabella shared various pictures from her childhood and pictures of him surfing. "I'm in so much disbelief right now, this doesn't feel real," stated in the post, going on to add, "I love you so much dad and I wish I could give you one last hug. I wish I could tell you again how much I love you and thank you for being the best dad. I wish you were still here with us, you weren't supposed to leave yet. This is too soon. I know you are in a good place now with nana vi, and your friends. I wish this never happened and we could just wake up and go surf together tomorrow morning."
How did Mikala Jones die?
Mikala, who moved from Hawaii to Indonesia years ago, was reportedly surfing along the Mentawai Islands' coast. He was reportedly residing at the Awera Resort in North Sipora, Indonesia, with his family, according to Surfline. The outlet claimed that a surfboard fin caused a 10-centimeter wound inside his left groin that ruptured his femoral artery. He is survived by his wife Emma, two daughters, sister Malia, and brothers Keoni and Daniel.
'One of the 21st century's most photogenic surfers'
According to the publication, the Hawaiian professional surfer was "one of the 21st century's most photogenic surfers," especially well-recognized for tube-riding across the globe. He frequently recorded his surfing sessions on his GoPro, providing a distinctive view inside the barrels he rode. Furthermore, Mikala's sponsor, Matuse Wetsuits, hailed him as "intelligent and sophisticated," according to Beach Grit. "He's street smart and savvy but never one to front. Magnanimous, yet, Mikala is also uber-mysto about the secret spots he guards. He is a private family man with residences in Haleiwa and Bali. However, because of Mikala's personality, professionalism and smooth hand-jiving style he's a jet-setter who handpicks each year's photo excursions," added the company.
The surfing community paid their respects
The comment section on the post of Mikala's daughter was full of condolences from several professional surfers and other known figures from the industry, along with friends and family. Puerto Rican surfing star Tia Blanco wrote, "Your dad was one of the nicest humans I've encountered in the surfing community. So sad to hear this news. Sending you love & strength. So sorry about this." The 11-time World Surf League champion Kelly Slater called Mikala a "Legend."
Nathan Myers, a photographer, wrote a moving tribute accompanying images of Mikala. He mentioned in his post, "We were looking forward to more adventures in the future. But now… well, we'll carry you with us, brother. And we'll be grateful for everything we shared in those present tense moments together. What a legend you are." While one of his friends, Isabella, took to her Instagram Story, writing, "Surfing barrels in heaven i love you so much," she commented over a video of her father shared by surf filmmaker Taylor Steele.
Later, his daughter posted a video of their family of four, captioning it "It will never be the same" with a broken heart emoji. "Forever my life's biggest inspiration," she wrote under footage posted by surfing photographer Robbie Crawford.
