The skateboarding community is mourning the loss of legendary professional skateboarder, original Bones Brigader, and Skateboarding Hall of Famer Jay Smith.
According to a statement shared by Jay's family on his official Instagram account, the skateboarding icon passed away peacefully in the early hours of Friday, July 24, 2026, following a brief illness. His fiancée, Jylle, was by his side.
His family remembered Jay as a truly one of a kind person whose fearless approach to life was matched by his enormous heart and deep love for his family and friends.
They also honored his lasting impact on skateboarding, describing him as a pioneer who was once called "A Master of Style and Lord of the Layback." Jay was among the original members of the Bones Brigade and was inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame in 2022.
Beyond his accomplishments on a skateboard, his family said those who had the privilege of spending time with him would always remember his unforgettable personality.
They described every night with Jay as memorable, unpredictable, and filled with laughter and lasting memories.
Their tribute described Jay as a kind, funny, genuine, and big hearted person who was never afraid to tell the people in his life that he loved them.
They said he would be deeply missed by everyone who loved him.
The family also thanked everyone for the overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this difficult time.
They asked for patience and understanding as they make the necessary arrangements and shared that details regarding a memorial service will be announced once plans have been finalized.
They also requested privacy for Jay's family and his fiancée, Jylle, as they grieve.
Jay Smith Instagram Posted:
"It is with great sadness that we share the news of Jay Smith’s passing after a brief illness. Jay passed peacefully in the early hours of Friday July 24th 2026, his fiancee Jylle by his side.
A true one of a kind, Jay approached life with a ferocity and reckless abandon matched only by the size of his heart and love for his friends and family.
A pioneer in skateboarding, once labeled “A Master of style and Lord of the layback”, Jay was one of the first members of the Bones Brigade, and he was inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame in 2022.
For those of us lucky enough to know Jay and call him a friend, a night out with Jay was both memorable and unpredictable - and always an endless source of good times and memories.
He will be deeply missed by all of us who loved him, a kind, funny, big hearted and genuine soul. Jay was never too shy to tell you he loved you...❤️
We all love you Jay. You were bigger than life on so many levels. You stared it in the face, locked eyes with it, and dared it to slow you down. So, we will celebrate you in true, authentic, Jay fashion. [If you know, you know]
We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this incredibly difficult time.
As we navigate the many responsibilities that come with the loss of a loved one, we ask for your patience and understanding. There are many details that must be addressed, and we are working diligently to make the necessary arrangements.
Memorial service information will be shared as soon as plans have been finalized. Until that time, we respectfully ask that you honor the privacy of his family and his fiancée, Jylle, as they grieve and tend to these important matters.Thank you for your compassion, your continued support, and for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers."