American surfer Mikala Jones tragically died over the weekend after her femoral artery was severed in a freak accident while surfing at the Indonesian Mentawai Islands, according to family She was 44 years old.
Jones, who originally from Hawaii, suffered a fatal injury while surfing near the Awera Resort around 9:15 a.m., according to Surfline.com. She reportedly sustained a four-inch gash to her left groin that is believed to have severed her femoral artery.
Two surfers approach a wave near the Mentawai Islands in Indonesia. (Andia Group/Universal Images via Getty Images)
Jones’ father confirmed to The Associated Press Monday that a surfboard fin severed his femoral artery during the accident.
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Jones’ daughter, Isabella Jones, posted a heartfelt tribute to her father on Instagram.
“I’m so in disbelief right now, this doesn’t feel real. I love you so much daddy and I wish I could give you one last hug. 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,” he wrote.
“This is too soon. I know you’re in a good place now with nana vi and your friends. I wish this would never happen and we could wake up and go surfing together tomorrow morning.”
Mikala Jones of the USA spins during the Panasonic Shockwave US Open at Huntington Pier in Huntington Beach, California in 2001. Mandatory Credit: (Christopher Ruppel/Allsport)
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Isabella Jones described the details surrounding her father’s passing as a “bad surfing accident”.
“I’m happy that he was doing what he loved the most. Life will never be the same without you.”
Several other tributes for the popular surfer took to social media, including from renowned surf photographer Brian Bielmann.
“Our friend Mikala Jones passed away yesterday at The Mentawais while riding the waves she loved,” Bielmann wrote. “She was a wonderful person, an amazing artist, her Go Pro photos of her were amazing… He will be sorely missed.”
A large wave crashes during round 4 of the 2023 Da Hui Backdoor Shootout on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii on January 15, 2023. (BRIAN BIELMANN/AFP via Getty Images)
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“What he has put together in his 44 years has been amazing. He lived a great life, was loved by so many and will never be forgotten.”
Known for capturing stunning photos and video from inside the waves, Jones won two national championships as an amateur before traveling the world. Photos of him appeared in popular magazines, but it was the images he took of himself that eventually captured the surf community.
“He was a humble artist. His paintings were incredible,” his father told the AP.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
