David Wood, the World Surf League’s head of security for two decades, has taken his own life, according to an Instagram post from Kelly Slater, in which he wrote:
“Unfortunately, his emotions and personal difficulties pushed him beyond his breaking point and he chose to take his own life last night.”
Here’s the full post:
A statement issued by the WSL on their website had few details, other than the man better known as Woody was in Southern California for the Hurley Pro and Swatch Women’s Pro at Trestles and left behind four sons.
“This community, and specifically the sport, is a family and today we mourn the loss of one of our own,” said WSL CEO Paul Speaker in the statement. “David Wood was our friend and brother. He watched over us, the world’s best surfers and this community for over two decades. It is an unthinkably sad day for surfing and our thoughts and prayers are with Woody’s family and friends.” The WSL declined to comment on this story.
After his heat Thursday morning, Kanoa Igarashi described Wood fondly, a sentiment echoed on social media in posts like this from Kelly Slater’s other half, Kalani Miller:
In Miller’s post, surfer Laura Enever responded:
“😥😥😥❤️❤️❤️ We love Ya Woody. Sending Big hugs to you guys xxxx”
Just four days ago Wood posted on his own Instagram account about a father’s love for his children:
