(CNN) — Hawaiian professional surfer Mikala Jones has died at the age of 44 after a surfing accident in Indonesia’s Mentawai Islands, Surfline said, citing official reports.
The exact details surrounding his death are unclear.
Jones’ daughter Isabella she wrote on Instagram following her father’s death she is “very incredulous” and explained that her “dad had a bad surfing accident and couldn’t make it”.
She paid tribute to her dad, sharing photos of her and her dad from their childhood, writing, “Wish you were still here with us, you didn’t have to leave yet. This is too soon.”
Following Jones’ death, many members of the surfing community took to social media to pay their respects.
Surf photographer Brian Bielmann shared a photo of Jones on Instagram and wrote, “our friend Mikala Jones passed away yesterday in [las islas] Mentawai surfing the waves he loved… I’m so sorry and sending prayers to his family.”
The legendary pro surfer kelly slater, who has 11 world surfing titles to his credit, also commented on Bielmann’s post, writing, “sobering moment; perhaps no one has lived this life better. Great guy and surfer.”
Also surfing legend Mick Fanning, who won three world titles shared a photo of Jones and himself on Instagram and wrote: “so heartbroken to hear the news. Mikala, you were unique.”
The Mentawai Islands, in the Indonesian province of West Sumatra, are famous for having some of the best surfing in the world.
CNN has contacted the Indonesian National Police, USA Surfing and the International Surfing Association for comment.
