Pro Surfers Mourn Fallen Friend

Like many, Miguel Pupo (BRA) struggled to make sense of unnecessary violence -- @miguelpuposurf: No sei o que dizer e nem o que pensar. Infelizmente isso acontece frequentemente no nosso pas, pessoas como meu amigo so mortas todos os dias sem motivo e muito menos explicao. Pelo menos sei que vc foi feliz fazendo o que amava e viajando o mundo com os amigos. Que Deus aquea os coraes dos familiares nesse momento difcil e os conforte.Vou sentir saudades tortuga!! Descanse em paz!! // // // I don't know what to say or think right now. Unfortunately this happens everyday in our country, people like my friend are getting killed for no reason. The good thing is that u lived doing what u loved and traveling with ur friends(us). God bless the family and help them handle this situation. I'm going to miss u!!Rest In Peace!!

Championship Tour (CT) competitor Kolohe Andino (USA) shared condolences -- @koloheandino22: rest in paradise richardo. i think GODS got a few crazy left slabs for you in heaven . my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.

Eleven-time World Champ Kelly Slater posted an image from Pipe where surfers gathered to remember the Brazilian barrel-rider -- @kellyslater: Beautiful morning but I was horrified to realize everyone was paddling out to Pipe to form a circle in remembrance of my friend, #RicardoDosSantos, who passed away in hospital after being shot three times yesterday in #Brasil. @ricardosantos90 was truly one of the great barrel riders of his short time (myself and a few others learned that the hard way against him at Teahupo'o a couple years back when he won the #AndyIronsAward in the event). He also won the #WaveOfTheWinter in 2012-2013 for a crazy barrel at #Pipeline and was a regular standout in any barreling or heavy conditions around the world. This was truly a senseless loss of life. It unfortunately brings to light the number of murders yearly in Brasil, officially documented at over 50,000 with many thousands more going unreported. Lac

Brazilian World Champion Gabriel Medina remembered his friend -- @gabrielmedina: Ricardinho, voce nao merecia isso! Nao mesmo, nunca! Pq isso acontece com gente do bem? Nao entendo isso! Mlk gente boa, sempre ajudando o proximo, sorriso de orelha a orelha todos os dias, exemplo de pessoa Familia Dos Santos que Deus conforte sua familia

CT newcomer Keanu Asing (HAW) offered kind reflections of his time with dos Santos -- @keanuasing: My condolences to Dos Santos family and all my Brazilian friends. Ricardo was such a humble respectful person and one of the best big wave surfers. It's so rare to come across people like this. You will be forever missed with much love and respect. Rest In Peace Ricardo!

Tahiti's Michel Bourez shared thoughts on the loss of dos Santos. The young Brazilian was the 2012 Billabong Pro Teahupo'o wildcard -- @bourezmichel: RIP Ricardo!!! The bullets took your body but not your soul!! Enjoy the ride in heaven my friend... You will be missed !! Tahiti love you !!