The three-time World Champion surfer passed today in Dallas while traveling from Puerto Rico to his home in Hawaii. From an official statement by his sponsor, Billabong:

The world of surfing mourns an incredibly sad loss today with the news that Hawaii’s Andy Irons has died. Andy was a beloved husband, and a true champion. Irons, 32, withdrew from a professional surfing event in Puerto Rico last weekend due to illness and passed away during a layover en-route to his home in Kauai, Hawaii. He had reportedly been battling with dengue fever, a viral disease.

Perhaps most tragic, Irons leaves behind both a wife and an unborn son.  Sincerest condolences to his wife, the rest of his family, and the many friends he leaves behind.