The Hawaii surf community is mourning the death of Makani Alexander.
He was the son of Hawaiian waterman and former North Shore line-up enforcer, Kala Alexander, and the nephew of surfer and shaper Kamalei Alexander.
He was 25 years old.
Yesterday, Kala posted the photo above of himself, Makani, and his daughter, Mahina, captioning it:
“Missing my boy so much right now! Pray for us.”
Sources close to Makani said the cause of death was an “accidental” self-inflicted gunshot wound on Sunday night at his home in Waialua with friends.
When we contacted Kala, he was too distraught to comment.
According to a police report, Makani was pronounced dead at the scene and no arrests were made.
Social media tributes have been pouring out from the surf world.
Kamalei also paid tribute to his nephew in the post below.
He captioned it:
“Some fkn candles just burn faster, brighter, stronger/ you did so fkn good with the hand you were dealt, you crushed it, captain!!!
“I hope you know how much you meant to everyone, I love you Makani -Now you the big Angel buddy watch over us 🫡 Love you Ohana”
The post received hundreds of comments from surfers, including the pros below:
Nathan Fletcher: “Losses suck!!!!! Love to your family!!!!!”
Kalani Chapman: “Saying prayers and sending all my love to you and the family. Like you said another angel watching over us.”
Kalani Rob: “🙏❤️”
“Mick Fanning: “Sending so much love to you and the family. Heartbroken for you”
Dean Morrison: “All my love to you and the family”
Cory Lopez: “So sorry to hear this. Love always.
Gavin Beschen: “Deepest condolences to all OHaNA n friends love n aloha”
This is the second recent death to rock Makani’s tight-knit group of friends since surf and skate phenom Kalani David died from a seizure while surfing in Costa Rica last September.
Rest in peace, Makani.
***
Don’t miss another headline from SURFER! Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on Instagram, and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of surfing. We’re always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging surf-related videos to feature on our channels.
Whether you’re a professional surfer or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on SURFER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality surf videos.