Kolby Aipa Obituary, Death – Kolby Aipa, a 20-year-old rising surfer and grandson of legendary Hawaiian surfboard designer Ben Aipa, has been identified as the victim of a fatal crash in Huntington Beach. The tragic incident occurred Saturday night on Pacific Coast Highway, where Kolby was riding an electric bicycle while holding onto the back of a Toyota Tacoma driven by a friend, also 20 years old. According to the Huntington Beach Police Department, Kolby lost control during the tow and collided with the pickup truck.
Police received calls about the accident at 10:08 p.m. near the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Seapoint Street. When officers arrived, they found the driver unharmed and Kolby unconscious on the roadway. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where he was placed on life support. Sadly, Kolby passed away from his injuries on Tuesday.
Authorities stated that there was no indication the driver was impaired, and no arrests have been made. The investigation remains ongoing. Police are urging anyone with information about the incident or what led up to it to contact HBPD Traffic Investigator S. Flynn.
Kolby came from a family deeply rooted in surfing culture. His grandfather, Ben Aipa, was renowned for developing the innovative “sting” surfboard design and for founding Aipa Surf in 1970. Ben was not only a craftsman for world-class surfers but also a champion surfer himself. Kolby had begun following in his grandfather’s footsteps, building a name in the surfing community. He had secured sponsorships with major surf brands and was an active member of the Huntington Beach Board Riders club.
Following Kolby’s death, Aipa Surf released a heartfelt statement on social media. “This is the hardest post we will ever make,” the tribute began. “Our sweet boy @kolby\_aipa has passed. We are completely heartbroken.” The message, shared by Kolby’s relatives Duke Aipa, Val Aipa, and Leilani Skysky, described him as someone who touched the hearts of everyone he met. The post encouraged others to carry on Kolby’s spirit of kindness and Aloha by treating others the way he did.
Surfer Magazine, which once referred to Kolby as “surf royalty,” published a tribute to his legacy, highlighting his emerging role in the world of surfing and the significant legacy he inherited.
In the wake of Kolby’s passing, the Pai family—owners of Huntington Surf and Sport—launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the Aipa family during this difficult time.
Kolby’s death has left a deep impact on the local surf community and beyond. His passion for surfing, generous spirit, and legacy as part of the iconic Aipa lineage will continue to be remembered by those who knew him and those inspired by his story.
