Australian Mick Fanning has joined the world surfing community in paying tribute to Hawaiian surfing great Derek Ho, who has died at age 55.
A two-time Pipeline Masters and a four-time Hawaiian Triple Crown winner, Ho become Hawaii's first world champion in the sport at age 29, taking the title in 1993.
Ho was known for for his prowess in surfing the famous Pipeline break off the Hawaiian island of Oahu's North Shore.
The World Surf League confirmed Ho died on Friday afternoon after suffering a heart attack last week.
Fanning said surfing had lost "another great soul".
"Uncle D was always such a friendly and funny guy towards me. Full of life and quirky in the amazing Ho family way," Fanning said.
"To see him still surfing places like Pipeline as good as anyone at 55 is a huge inspiration.
"Your memory, legacy and character will live on and inspire many in the future."
Fellow Hawaiian surfer Jamie O'Brien said he was "lost for words" after Ho's death.
"The Pipeline king @derekho1980 I'm going to miss you!!!" he wrote on Instagram.
Ho's family included many professional surfers, including his World Cup-winning brother Michael Ho.
He was the uncle of former Championship Tour surfer Coco Ho and her brother Mason Ho.
