Fallece ANDY IRONS.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010 3:27pm PDT

Former world surfing champion Andy Irons, 32, has died

By: Pete Thomas, GrindTV.com

Andy Irons, a three-time world surfing champion and one of the more popular athletes on the Assn. of Surfing Professionals' elite World Tour, has died after coming down with an undisclosed illness during a competition in Puerto Rico.

Irons was only 32 and leaves behind a pregnant wife, Lyndie, and younger brother, Bruce, who is a former World Tour competitor.

Irons' death has been confirmed by his family, which in a statement said he passed away during a layover while between flights fro Puerto Rico to his home in Hawaii. That was believed to have been in Dallas.

The statement begins: "The world of surfing mourns an incredibly sad loss today with the news that Hawaii's Andy Irons has died. Andy was a beloved husband, and a true champion."

Irons, who was born and raised on Kauai, fell ill during the Rip Curl Search Puerto Rico, the second-to-last competition of the year and the first World Tour competition held in the Caribbean. He suffered from symptoms similar to those associated with Dengue fever.

Irons was known for his fast but fluid style on a surfboard, and for his epic heat battles with Kelly Slater, many of which occurred as Irons was reeling off his titles in succession from 2002-04.

Irons also was a dominant force in Hawaii, where he won four prestigious Vans Triple Crown of Surfing titles and four Billabong Pipeline Masters championships.

His death comes at a time when Slater, 38, pro surfing's most accomplished athlete, is in Puerto Rico trying to clinch a tenth world title.

Irons had his ups and downs after his title run and often struggled with his surfing and emotions. He took last year off, citing personal reasons, but being newly married seemed to provide him with new inspiration. He returned to the tour this season and is presently ranked No. 16 in the world.