Tributes for surfer

John Ensor

THE surfing community have been left grief­stricken after a well­known athlete and veteran surfer was killed in a freak accident.

The incident occurred on Saturday, June 17, when 51­ year ­ old Jacobo Rodríguez was surfing on the beach of Salinas, in Asturias, according to a news outlet.

Rodríguez was a well­known resident of Salinas, and his passing in such tragic circumstances has been a huge shock to friends and family not to mention residents of the area.

The highly experienced, veteran surfer had gone out as usual to enjoy the waves. At some point, it is believed that a wave took him unexpectedly during which his own surfboard struck his head.

Despite the quick response of an offduty National Police officer who was nearby who pulled him to the shore, and a cardiologist who was also present it was not enough to save him.

After an hour and a half, he was transferred by helicopter to the hospital where he sadly died the following day due to a cardiorespiratory arrest.

The Spaniard was already an important and well­known member of the world of surfing after decades on the board.