HONOLULU, HI. (THECOUNT) — Hawaii’s first ever men’s professional world surfing champion, Derek Ho, died Friday afternoon of an apparent heart attack. He was 55.

Ho, who became the first Hawaii native to win a world championship, died Friday afternoon after suffering a heart attack.

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In 1993, Ho claimed his world championship under the banner of the Association of Surfing Professionals, now known as the World Surf League.

Ho was a four time Triple Crown champion having been etched his name into the trophy in 1984, 1986, 1988, and 1990. The Kailua High School graduate was also a two-time winner of the prestigious Pipe Masters having claimed titles in 1986 and his world title season of 1993.

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Geo quick facts: Honolulu, on the island of Oahu’s south shore, is capital of Hawaii and gateway to the U.S. island chain. The Waikiki neighborhood is its center for dining, nightlife and shopping, famed for its iconic crescent beach backed by palms and high-rise hotels, with volcanic Diamond Head crater looming in the distance. Sites relating to the World War II attack on Pearl Harbor include the USS Arizona Memorial – wikipedia.