Mick Fanning shares emotional message to grieve Ed Fanning, following brother’s tragic death

Australian surfing legend Mick Fanning has mourned the loss of his last surviving brother in an emotional post on social media.

Australian surfing legend Mick Fanning has shared a heartfelt farewell for his older brother Ed after he died of a severe infection while working in Madagascar.

In a tribute shared to social media, the three-time world champion surfer reflected on an emotional memorial service held on Saturday morning, which saw mourners on surfboards paddled into the waves of Snapper Rocks – a famous surf break in Coolangatta Queensland.

“I want to thank my family and friends for all the amazing support they have shown not only me but everyone that loved Ed,” Mr Fanning shared on Instagram on Saturday.

Hundreds of people turned out at the Greenmount Beach Surf Club on the Gold Coast to celebrate the life of Ed Fanning. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Tertius Pickard

Mourners formed a paddle out, in honour of Ed Fanning. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Hundreds of people attended the service. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Tertius Pickard

“It was a beautiful day with so many amazing people coming together.

“I know Ed is always with me. The memories and good times we shared for so many years will always be with me. I give thanks for that.

“Some incredible stories were told today as people telling their versions of the funny and wild s--t he used to do.

“Please keep telling them as Ed would want you all to laugh.”

Ed died after a cut to his wound became infected while he was working at the Madasurf camp in the African island last month.

A tribute from Gold Coast-based Kirra Surfriders Club, where Ed and Mick hold life memberships, said the 48-year-old was rushed by boat and admitted to a hospital in the nearest major city, however Ed suffered cardiac complications as a result of the infection. Mick is now the sole surviving Fanning brother. In 1998, his older sibling Sean died in a car crash aged 20.

Another older brother, Peter, died due to complications related to this heart in 2015.

Both Mick, and his mother, Liz Osborne spoke at the memorial service, which was held before the paddle out at the nearby Greenmount Surf Club.

Mick Fanning with his brother, Ed. Picture: Instagram

Mick said it was Ed who inspired him and his fellow brothers to begin surfing, as reported by The Courier Mail.

“Ed was so passionate about surfing that us brothers could only follow him to the beach and see for ourselves,” he said.

“It was truly something life-changing, getting that first taste of the ocean in Coffs Harbour (where the Fanning brothers started surfing).”

Their mother, Ms Osborne paid tribute to Ed’s life in Madagascar, where he and his partner had adopted a daughter named Jelly Baby, after the couple found her living in a stormwater drain.

“He was so loved by all the people over there,” she said.

Both Mick and his mum, Liz Osborne spoke at the service. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

“I’m going back next week to see where my boy is buried, in his happy place, surrounded by such love.”

Last week, Mick shared a lengthy tribute to his dead brother, remembering him as a talented surfer, and someone with the “biggest heart,” and “too loyal for your own good”.

“Love you my brother. You taught me so much over the years about everything that life could deal up,” he said.

“The good and the bad you were my teacher. You introduced us all to surfing, the joy and freedom of riding a wave.”

Originally published as Mick Fanning shares emotional message to grieve Ed Fanning, following brother’s tragic death