'A hero, a shining light': Surfing stars come out in support of Sunny Garcia

  • 01/05/2019
Garcia.
Garcia. Photo credit: Getty

Surfing legend Sunny Garcia is fighting for his life after reportedly being found unconscious at his home after an attempted suicide.

The Hawaiian great – an outspoken and often rebellious figure during his professional career - is currently in intensive care at a hospital in Portland, Oregon.

The 49-year-old has been vocal regarding his struggles with depression and has been an advocate for  mental health for a number of years.

Garcia was renowned as an aggressive surfer, a style he used to capture six Triple Crown of Surfing titles and the Association of Surfing Professionals world championship title in 2000.

News of Garcia's condition has rocked the surfing community, with some of its past and present stars offering messages of support on social media.

Good friend and co-competitor Kelly Slater called Garcia his "other brother".

"Sunny...I love you, brother" Slater wrote in an Instagram post. "I just can't even fathom you not here. We've got so much more living to do before we are done.

"There's been hard times but there have been so many good ones, too. Just praying you wake up and we get more of you."

"Been through a lot with you Sunny," said Australian great Mark Occhilupo, who competed against Garcia throughout his own career.

"You're one of the strongest persons I know and you can get through this. Praying for you."

"Praying for you my brother!" added Mick Fanning. "A hero, a shining light and such a loveable human. Love you mate!"

In March, Garcia wrote on his Facebook page that people who don't suffer mental health conditions "don't understand the pain and frustration that we go through".

Newshub.