News about the passing of Marc Johnson at the age of 49 has left many people in the skate scene processing a lot of emotions.
News about the passing of Marc Johnson at the age of 49 has left many people in the skate scene processing a lot of emotions.
Over the past days, many skaters and friends have shared their memories of him online, talking about how much he meant to them both as a skater and as a person.
READ MORE: Skate Legend Marc Johnson Passes Away at 49 Following Decades of Influence on Skateboarding
One of the more personal messages came from his former partner, Erin Hirsh, who wrote openly about what she has been carrying for years. Her words were raw and honest, showing how deep their connection was and how difficult things became over time.
She shared that nothing really prepares someone for loss like this, especially when there has already been a long history of worry. In her message, she admitted that part of her felt a sense of relief that his suffering had finally come to an end, while also expressing deep sadness over everything that led to this point.
Erin described Marc as someone with a rare kind of mind, someone who could be incredibly kind but also deeply complex. She talked about their time together as something meaningful and unusual, almost like two different ways of thinking trying to understand each other. One part of her described him as someone who saw the world in a way that was hard to fully explain.
She also spoke about how much he struggled in his later years, especially when it came to handling everyday responsibilities and emotional weight. In her words, there were long standing struggles involving mental health challenges and addiction, along with past injuries and regrets that he carried for a long time.
READ MORE: Mike Carroll, Girl & Chocolate Mourn the Passing of Skate Legend Marc Johnson
According to her message, Marc often felt disconnected from the world around him, especially from the skateboarding community that once celebrated his talent. She suggested that he still cared deeply about people, but at times felt distant and unsure of where he fit in.
There was also mention of misunderstandings around money and obligations. Erin wrote that, from her perspective, he was not trying to deceive anyone, but rather was unable to keep up as his situation worsened. She explained that his difficulties made it hard for him to manage communication and commitments the way he once could.
Supporters from skateboarding have also continued sharing messages of care and remembrance. One of them, Bastien Salabanzi, reminded people through his own words that speaking up and reaching out matters, especially when things feel heavy.
READ MORE: Bastien Salabanzi Shares Powerful Mental Health Message Following The Passing of Marc Johnson
Erin also spoke about the love she still holds for Marc, and how she hopes he has found peace after everything he went through. She mentioned the moments they shared, including how he showed care in his own way, even during difficult periods.
The message ends on a deeply personal note, expressing goodbye and gratitude for the time they had together. It leaves behind a picture of someone who was deeply talented, emotionally layered, and struggling in ways that were not always visible from the outside.
Erin Posted:
"No amount of mental preparation could have prepared me for the pain I feel over Marc’s passing. I feared this day for many years. In a way, I’m relieved that his suffering is over.
He was the sweetest, most complicated person I have ever known. My time with Marc was a blessing. I can honestly say I loved him more than he was capable of loving himself. I did everything in my power to help him see his brilliance and worth.
Our relationship was otherworldly and defied logic. We often joked that his brain was jazz and mine was math.
My only wish is that his sweet soul is finally free from pain.
Marc was a genius, on and off the board. I’ve often heard people say he was the Van Gogh of skateboarding, I believe that to be true. For better or worse, he felt everything deeply. He struggled to let go of old narratives and carried an immense amount of guilt related to Avery.
In the end, he struggled to manage the responsibilities of day to day life. Perhaps he hit his head one too many times…. perhaps it was a dangerous combination of mental illness and addiction? I don’t know. What I do know is that he suffered.
For those who feel they were conned out of money by Marc, I think it’s important to set the record straight. Marc was morally scrupulous and genuinely humbled that people in skateboarding still gave a f**k about him. He felt rejected by the world he had given everything to. He wasn’t able to fulfill orders because of his deteriorating mental capacity, not because he intended to deceive anyone.
I will forever be grateful for his love and for the way he showed up for Cairo.
I love you, Marc. I look forward to seeing you in my dreams. ✨
Rest in peace, #222🕊️❤️"