Three-time surfing world champion Andy Irons died of dengue fever today, at the young age of 32. He died while en route from Puerto Rico back to Hawaii, where he and his family are based.

Andy Irons won three consecutive world titles (2002-2004) and three staright Quiksilver Pro France titles (2003-005), two Rip Curl Pro Search titles (2006 and 2007) and 19 elite tour victories. On his honor, the Hawaii governor declared February 13 as "Andy Irons Day."

In a statement from the Irons family, Andy is described as "a beloved husband, and a true champion.

"The world of surfing mourns an incredibly sad loss today with the news that Hawaii's Andy Irons has died"

Irons was in Puerto Rico to compete in a professional surfing event. He withdrew from the event due to illness and was reported to have been battling wity dengue fever.

Dengue occurs widely in tropical countries such as Puerto Rico where as of September this year more than 14,000 cases has been reported. The viral disease is transmitted to humans by mosquito bites.

Andy is survived by his wife Lyndie Dupuis who is pregnant with their first child. The family requested not to be contacted, asking the public for privacy to mourn Andy Iron's death.