World Surfing Champ Derek Ho Dies Suddenly Friday At Age 55

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.

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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