'We are completely heartbroken': Surfing world in mourning after e-bike death of iconic figure's grandson

The surfing world is in mourning after the tragic death of the grandson of iconic Hawaiian surfboard shaper Ben Aipa.

According to reports, Kolby Aipa, 20, was on the weekend riding an e-bike and being towed by a car full of friends in Huntington Beach, California when tragedy struck.

He was put on life support, and that life support has now been turned off.

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An Instagram account named Aipa Surf Co., which is run by Ben Aipa's sons, confirmed the news on Wednesday.

"This is the hardest post we will ever make," the post began.

"We are completely heartbroken.

"We wanted to thank all the visitors, supporters, food deliveries, donations, flowers, cards, countless stories and photos his friends have shared with us, drs [doctors] and nurses that have taken care of our sweet boy.

"The HB [Huntington Beach] community and everyone around the world have touched our hearts in an unimaginable way. Thank you for loving our boy."

Kolby was a budding surfer with the Huntington Beach Boardriders Club and he was sponsored by several brands, including Avva and Dakine.

But the Instagram post by Aipa Surf Co. focused on Kolby's kind heart, rather than his talent on a surfboard.

"Kolby always had a way with touching the lives of whoever he met. His acts of kindness and caring was his gift of Aloha to friends and strangers alike," the post read.

"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."

The World Surf League posted a picture of Kolby on Instagram with the caption: "Our thoughts are with the Aipa family, his friends, and the surf community as we mourn the loss of Kolby Aipa."

A few days before Kolby's life support was switched off, Aipa Surf Co. posted a picture of him and asked people to "pray for him to be healed".

Australian surfing legend Mick Fanning left two prayer emojis and a red love heart under that post.

Kolby's legendary grandfather, Ben Aipa, founded Aipa Surfboards in 1970.

Ben died in 2021 at the age of 78, due to complications caused by stroke and dementia.