Australian surfing legend Mick Fanning is in mourning after the death of his father John.
A father of five and grandfather to eight, John was a much-loved “larrikin” who always put his family first.
His cause of death is not immediately known.
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Fanning, 44, paid tribute to his father with an emotional post on social media.
“Fly High Dad. John Joseph Fanning,” the post said.
“A father of 5, grandfather of 8. His proudest achievements in his own words were his kids and grandchildren.
“A larrikin till his last days, but a loyal friend to so many. Dad was not shy in the club, always becoming the court jester and master of ceremonies at any local drinking hole.
“I know he always did his best for all us kids and he would always light up and become 20 years younger when the little ones would visit.
“I know you’ll have your shirt, pants and boots looking sharp as you venture the universe with your giant smile and infectious laugh.
“Thank you for all the life lessons, the love and guidance, the honesty. I know you’ll always be with me and I’ll always celebrate you.
“Love you, Dad.”
Fanning also shared a series of family photos, which included John doting on his grandchildren.
The post was quickly flooded with likes and comments from friends, family and the surfing community
Aussie surfing greats Steph Gilmore and Taj Burrow showed their support with love hearts among hundreds of comments.
“Sending all our love you and your family’s way,” American surfer Lakey Peterson wrote.
While Fanning has reached lofty heights in his surfing career, he has dealt with the unimaginable tragedies of losing all three of his brothers.
Fanning’s older brother Peter died in 2015 at the age of 43 and, in 1998, his other brother, Sean, died (when he was 20) in a car crash.
And his other brother Edward died two years ago.
In 2020, Fanning spoke about the tragedies and hardships he had gone through.
“2015 was such a down year,” Fanning said.
“I went through a divorce, had the shark incident and then, at the end of it all, I lost my brother (Peter with an enlarged heart).
“I was just totally empty at the end of it. I was done.
“I felt like I had nothing to give, nothing to give myself, or to the people around me, or to family or friends.
“I just didn’t see a way of coming back.
“I’ve never felt that empty before. I just lay in bed, did nothing, wouldn’t leave the house.”
