CNN
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Micala Jones, a professional surfer from Hawaii, died at the age of 44 after a fatal accident while surfing in Indonesia’s Mentawai Islands on Sunday.
Jones has been known throughout the surfing world for the amazing photos and videos he captured while surfing the breaking waves, providing a unique first-person perspective on the sport.
The exact details surrounding his death are unclear.
“Her dad had a bad surfing accident and he didn’t,” Jones’ daughter, Isabella, wrote on Instagram, adding that she was “in complete disbelief.”
She paid tribute to her father, sharing photos from her childhood with him and writing, “I wish you were still here with us, you weren’t supposed to leave yet. This is too early.”
After Jones’ death, much of the surfing community took to social media to pay their respects.
Apparel company Reef, for which Jones was previously an ambassador, issued a statement In his memoirs, he described Jones as “a creator of contemporary surf POV content ahead of his time” and “arguably one of the most barrel-aged surfers on the planet.”
Surf photographer Brian Pillman shared a photo of Jones on Instagram, writing, “Our friend Michala Jones passed away yesterday in Mentaoui while surfing the waves he loved.. I am so sorry and sending prayers to his family.”
The Mentawai Islands in Indonesia’s West Sumatra province are known for having some of the world’s greatest surfing spots.
Legendary professional surfer Kelly Slater, who has 11 world surfing champion titles to his name, commented on Pillman’s post, writing “Sobering moment. Probably no one has lived this life better. Incredible man and surfer.”
Surfing legend Mick Fanning, winner of three world titles, shared a photo of Jones and himself on Instagram, writing “So devastated to hear the news. Mikala you were one of a kind.”
CNN has reached out to the Indonesian National Police, USA Surfing and the International Surfing Association for comment.
“Alcohol enthusiast. Twitter ninja. Tv lover. Falls down a lot. Hipster-friendly coffee geek.”