Surfing world rocked by death of Mikala Jones, 44

The surfing world is in a state of shock and heartbreak as a pro is killed while surfing in Indonesia.

Pro surfer Mikala Jones is dead at 44 years old after suffering a freak injury while surfing.

Jones had been surfing in the Mentawai Islands in Indonesia when his surfboard fin reportedly severed his femoral artery.

As a result, Jones died due to blood loss.

Details on what led up to his death are still unclear but the surfing world quickly put out tributes for Jones and his family.

27 Jul 2000: Mikala Jones of the US turns during the Panasonic Shockwave U.S. Open at the Huntington Pier in Huntington Beach, California. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Ruppel /Allsport

Jones’ daughter, Isabella, wrote a touching tribute to her father, sharing several photos from her childhood.

“I’m in so much disbelief right now, this doesn’t feel real. I love you so much dad and I wish I could give you one last hug,” she wrote.

“I wish I could tell you again how much I love you and thank you for being the best dad. I wish you were still here with us, you weren’t supposed to leave yet. This is too soon.”

Surf photographer and friend of Jones shared some kind words as well.

“I put on the Brian Wilson/Beach Boys album Smile, I made a cup of coffee and sat down to make this really sad sad post. Our friend Mikala Jones passed away yesterday in The Mentawais while surfing the waves he loved. I’m so sorry and send prayers to his family.

“He was 44 which is far too young. He was a wonderful person an incredible artist, his Go pro photos were mind blowing. …. We’re gonna miss him so much. I’ve been sitting her all morning trying to grasp this reality.”

Three-time surfing World Champion, Mick Fanning shared a photo on Instagram of himself and Jones with the caption: “So shattered to hear the news. Mikala you were one of a kind. Funny, mellow, an explorer, a pioneer but most of all loving husband and father. Going to miss your sense of humour and classic one liners. Love how you always kept it real but were a true ambassador of aloha.

Three-time surfing World Champion, Mick Fanning shared a photo on Instagram of himself and Mikala Jones following the Hawaiian’s unexpected death. Picture: Instagram

“To Emma and the girls sending so much love. Mikala loved you more than anything and would always be showing us pictures and videos with the proudest smile on his face. Grateful to have known you the past 25 years and honoured to go exploring with you in that time. You will be missed. #MJallday May you forever get barrelled whilst guiding your family from above. Love you brother.”

Others from the surfing world, including Kelly Slater, Aussie Josh Kerr and pro surfer turned DJ Fisher, flooded into Jones’ last Instagram post from May to share their love and heartbreak for their fallen mate.

Jones is survived by his wife and three children.

This article originally appeared on The US Sun and was reproduced with permission