Heartbreaking: Mick shared this photo of himself and his brothers on Monday afternoon
Aussie surfing legend Mick Fanning has been left devastated after his older brother Peter passed away in his sleep. Mick learned about his brother’s shock death just hours before he had to compete in a world championship at Hawaii’s Pipe Masters.
Surfer Magazine took to Facebook to break the sad news on Thursday morning, writing, “This year has presented more ups and downs for Mick Fanning than most can fathom.”
“Today, he woke to the news that his older brother had passed away in his sleep. Now, he paddles out into his Round Three heat against Jamie O’Brien with a World Title on the line.”
Taking to Facebook on Monday afternoon after competing, the 34-year-old posted a touching family photo of himself and his brothers as kids alongside a heartfelt message.
“I am so grateful for the incredible love and well wishes that have come my way since learning of my eldest brother’s passing this morning. Like all my big brothers, Peter will always be a hero to me,” the tribute began.
“I have so many great memories of the good times we have all spent together and they will be with me forever. We recently caught up and Peter told me how proud he was of me and how much he loves watching me compete.”
“Today was one of the most challenging days of my life but I knew I could find the strength to take part in the final event of the season because that’s what Pete would want. I also want to give special thanks to my other brothers – my friends on tour – for their support, I couldn’t have got through today without them.”
“I would ask for some privacy on this matter while we come to terms with this devastating loss. Big thanks from our entire family. Tell the special people in your life you love them and give them a hug,” Mick concluded.
After learning of his brother’s death, the surfing champ competed with the heaviest of hearts and progressed through to the fourth round of the Hawaiian championship.
In what must have been one of the most emotional moments of his life, Mick incredibly won against local wildcard Jamie O’Brien.
Mick is no stranger to tragedy. When he was just 17, he lost another one of his brothers back in 1998.
Eerily, the usually private Mick spoke just days ago about his continuing heartache over the passing of his brother Sean, who was killed in a car accident with fellow surfer Joel Green.
“He’s with me. He’s with me a lot,” Mick, the youngest of five brothers, told News Ltd. “Hopefully I feel his presence out there.”
It’s been a challenging year for the three-time world champion, who fought off a spine-chilling shark attack in South Africa in July on live TV.
Our thoughts are with Mick and his family during this difficult time.
It’s been one of Mick’s toughest years after he fought off a spine-chilling shark attack in South Africa in July on live TV.
