Kolby Aipa: How did Ben Aipa's grandson and upcoming surfer met with accident in California?

Kolby Aipa, the 20-year-old grandson of iconic Hawaiian surfboard shaper Ben Aipa, passed away on Tuesday. Australian media reports state he was on life support after an e-bike accident on Saturday.

 

Ben Aipa, a legendary figure in surfing, is known for his influential 'Sting' board design and his work as a surfing coach. He was inducted into the Surfing Hall of Fame in 2009 and was named one of the "Top Ten Shapers of All Time" by Surfing Magazine in 2004.

 

A statement released by Aipa Surf read: "Thank you for loving our boy. Kolby always had a way with touching the lives of whoever he met. His acts of kindness and caring were his gift of Aloha to friends and strangers alike. To everyone that reads this... pass his Aloha on. So, how Kolby treated you, treat others in that same way... In this you are continuing his legacy of Aloha. And you too can be like Kolby. Remember him and tell the world that #iamkolby."

 

Here are five things that we know so far about the unfortunate development:

 

1. According to reports, Kolby was being towed by a car on his e-bike when the accident occurred. He was struck by the same vehicle, which was carrying his friends. There have been no arrests, and a probe into the incident is ongoing.

 

2. The accident reportedly happened at approximately 10:08 p.m. local time on Saturday night near the intersection of Seapoint Street and Pacific Coast Highway in Southern California. Aipa was critically injured and taken to UCI Medical Center, California. The incident caused a major traffic standstill on the Pacific Coast Highway in both directions.

 

3. Kolby was recently promoted to store manager at Huntington Surf & Sport by his father, Duke Aipa, who is also a leading figure in modern board design.

 

4. Founded in 1970 by Ben Aipa, Aipa Surf is a local company specializing in surfboards, accessories, and apparel. Kolby was a talented surfer and a member of the Huntington Beach Board Riders club. He lived up to his family's legacy and earned sponsorship deals from brands including AVVA, Dakine, and Cobian footwear.

 

5. Kolby's life support was switched off on Tuesday. His mother Val was quoted as saying by media reports that her son's unfortunate demise should be a reminder for other youngsters out there to not "treat these dangerous [e]bikes as toys. They should practice safety and wear helmets while using them, the heartbroken mother said.

 

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