Hawaiian surfing star Mikala Jones, known for his incredible photos and videos from inside huge waves, died Sunday after a surfing accident in Indonesia, according to the Associated Press.
He was 44.
Jones was surfing near the Mentawai Islands off the coast of Sumatra in Indonesia on Sunday when his surfboard fin severed his femoral artery, the large blood vessel in his thigh.
“He was a humble artist,” said his father, John Jones. “His pictures were amazing.”
Jones started surfing as a kid in Kailua, Hawaii and began competing a few years later in the 12-year-old and under age group. As an amateur, he won two national championships and then began traveling the world surfing with sponsors and other companies. He appeared frequently in magazines, advertisements and more.
Jones began taking photos and videos of himself browsing Instagram and began attaching a GoPro camera to his board.
Jones’ father said he frequently tried to get his children and others to wear wetsuits, helmets and other protective gear while surfing. He also said surfers are advised to dull the edges of their board with sandpaper if the fin gets too sharp.
“But they’re stubborn, you know?” said John Jones via The Associated Press.
Jones is survived by his wife Emma and their two daughters.