Tributes Roll In For Patrick Phillips, La Jolla Legend Who Died Surfing Teahupo’o
The beloved goofyfoot leaves behind his wife and two children.
On April 19, 56-year-old American Patrick Phillips passed away after suffering critical injuries while surfing Teahupo’o.
According to Teahupo’o mayor Milton Parker, “[Patrick] fell off his board, hit his head on the reef and broke two vertebrae in his neck.”
He later succumbed to his injuries at the French Polynesia Hospital Centre.
Pat is survived by his wife Lara, and his two children Tate and Ryan.
Since then, an outpouring of tributes has come in for Patrick, a cherished father, husband, and staple of the San Diego surfing community.
Robert Caracaus: “Patrick was my uncle. We have done several surf trips together to heavy beach breaks in Nicaragua and Costa Rica. I can tell you that he ripped harder than I have ever seen a 57 year old surf. He surfed a heat recently against Rob Machado at a local surf comp. This is after he took a break for 20 years to work his ass off coming from zero and raise his family which is impossible in La Jolla so he could surf again when his kids were finally out of highschool — all he wanted to do was surf and the rat race was wearing on him hard. His wife and kids are amazing and he poured literally everything into them and we should all as men aspire to that. This was a stand up guy and he deserves to be celebrated. What a way to go out being claimed by the heaviest wave in the world. I honor my uncle for giving this wave a crack at this age. What a legend in our family.”
Greg Sinclair: “Patrick Phillips, a longtime friend from San Diego passed away earlier this week while surfing in Tahiti. At the current time I have no information about what happened. My heart goes out to his wife and two sons, his family and to his friends who are now sharing their love. Patrick and I lived under the same roof for almost a year with his older brother Pepper and mother. I’ll always remember him as a good natured kid approaching grommethood. It was never hard to get a smile from Patrick. Rest in peace my good man!
Andrew Gray: “Patrick was an absolute legend around the La Jolla reefs! He was a one of a kind human! Life surfing the La Jolla reefs will never be the same without him! He was smart, kind, humble, but would be the first to regulate the line up when some fuck stick would paddle out! He Always loved helping the kids. I called him my son’s surf dad. He was one of the most special men on the planet! I can count on my fingers the amount of people I like and love it is definitely under ten, and Patrick was one of them. You will leave a massive hole in the hearts of the ones that loved you. You will be forever loved and remembered Patrick! Thank you for being my friend! I’m going to miss standing at the bench talking to you.”
Skip McCulloch: “Pat was such a good dude. I will miss him very much.”
Matt Powers: “Sending you all a lot of love. Was always great to surf and hang with Pat. Such a solid guy. He was always so cool to the younger generation and he will be so missed. One of a kind.”
Rest in peace, Pat.
Comments
Comments are a Stab Premium feature. Gotta join to talk shop.
Already a member? Sign In
Want to join? Sign Up