Andy Irons riding a wave in Fiji in 2003.
An investigation is under way after Irons's sudden death. Photograph: Pierre Tostee/AFP
US medical authorities have launched an investigation into the sudden death of triple surfing world champion Andy Irons, 32.
The Hawaiian native, known for riding the world's biggest waves and the only surfer to consistently challenge the recent supremacy of nine-times world champion Kelly Slater, pulled out of a contest in Puerto Rico blaming a bout of dengue fever, the mosquito-borne virus.
Irons was on his way home to Kauai, Hawaii, where he was due to compete next week, but was reportedly too ill to make his connecting flight and checked into the Grant Hyatt hotel at Dallas airport where he was found dead shortly before 10am yesterday morning by a hotel employee.
He is survived by his wife, Lyndie Dupuis, who is seven months pregnant with their first child.
An autopsy has been scheduled for tomorrow with possible toxicology tests to follow. A supply of methadone, the powerful painkiller, was discovered in a container for zolpidem, an insomnia drug, along with other medications in the hotel, according to an official at Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office in Fort Worth quoted by the Star Advertiser newspaper in Hawaii.
The Association of Professional Surfers, which is running the Puerto Rico competition, said Irons died "from complications due to illness".
"He fell ill in Puerto Rico and went to see the contest doctor," said Stephane Tenailleau, European spokesman for Billabong, Irons's sponsor. "The doctor told him to withdraw from the contest and go back home to fix the disease."
"The world of surfing mourns an incredibly sad loss today with the news that Hawaii's Andy Irons has died," read a statement from Irons's family. "At this time the family sincerely thanks his friends and fans for their support and asks that the community respect their privacy. The family also asks not to be contacted so their focus can remain on one another during this time of profound loss. Aloha."
Irons's surfing achievements had turned him into a national hero in Hawaii, where the state's governor declared 13 February forever "Andy Irons Day". His brother, Bruce Irons, is also a professional surfer.
"Andy was one of the greatest surfers of our time," said a statement from Billabong. "More than that, he was a much loved son, a devoted husband and a soon-to-be father. The thoughts of all Billabong employees worldwide are with wife Lyndie and Andy's family at this most devastating time."
Mark Occhilupo, a former world champion and friend of Irons, told Fox Sports news that Irons had contracted dengue fever before and that it normally returned when he was run down. There has been a spike in the disease in the central American and across parts of the Caribbean during the autumn hurricane season.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/03/andy-irons-surfer-dead