Professional surfer and core skateboarder Kalani David passed away at 24 after having a seizure while surfing in Costa Rica.
According to AP News, The Costa Rica Judicial Investigation Department said that the former world junior surfing champion David suffered an epileptic seizure and drowned. "The death is still under investigation," They said.
However, his illness did not prevent him from succeeding in sports, and he practiced surfing and skateboarding.
He won the Junior World Surfing title in Panama in 2012 in the Under-16 category while competing for first place in the primary skate circuits.
David's mother, Andrea, launched a GoFundMe on Sunday, "Bring Kalani David Home," saying she needs help getting his body back to the states to bury him next to his grandfather in Florida.
"Please help bring Kalani David home." David's mom said. "We are still in the process of grieving and unable to coherently process what never seeing Kalani's smile again, means? So, please forgive me if I can't express what needs to be said correctly."
She added. "Our son is laying in wait at a morgue in San Jose, Costa Rica. He died of a massive seizure while surfing a remote area on Saturday, September 17. I'm already here and didn't think twice about whatever I had to do, to make this happen. I am not prepared and the idea of giving Kalani an eternal resting place befitting of the beautiful human he was? Is more heartbreaking than these words could ever express."
"The list is beyond my ability to take in right now. Preparation, international flight, repatriation process, casket, service and eternal resting place, is something I find myself just broken in tears over? We wish to bury Kalani next to his grandfather, where his immediate family and relatives will follow at Florida Memorial Gardens. Where he can be visited and talked to. Guided if possible, by immediate family." Andrea explained.
"I honestly believe Kalani would prefer Hawaii but that seems an impossibility right now. How much can I cover or ask from the people Kalani loved around the world? It just doesn't seem fair either way." She said. "I wish it was me and it didn't even matter? It's my son and I want to see him on the weekends, sit by him and listen for his spirit. Which sounds tragically sad but it's the least I can try for. He deserved more than I could ever give him and I don't even feel right for asking but I will for Kalani."
"I don't want my son in a jar or spread on the water, as I would see fit for myself. I want to give him a place you can go see him and know he is listening when you share your feelings with him. Thank you for reading this and forgive me for asking. It's the only way I can think of to make this happen today, now. I love you Kalani! This world will never be the same without you." Andrea said.
Please donate now if you are able here.