Mick Fanning: surfing legend marred by family tragedy

Friends and family are rallying behind Mick Fanning after the death of his last surviving brother, Ed Fanning. The three-time world champion has lost three of his brothers in the last 25 years.

According to the online publication Beach Grit, Ed Fanning passed away while working at a surf camp in Madagascar during March, 2024.

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Stevie Maher, Ed's best friend, shared his passing through an online publication: "Firstly I want to send my condolences to the Fanning family... Mum Liz, dad John, sister Rachel and brother Mick. My heart is broken to hear the passing of my best mate. I enjoyed and had so many amazing times with you, Eddie."

According to the Spanish publication AS, Ed Fanning died from a severely infected wound. The Kirra Surfriders Club (Ed's former workplace) also shared he was rushed to the closest hospital, but the infection had spread too fast and claimed his life.

A tragic loss for Mick Fanning, making it his third brother to pass away in 25 years. In 2015, while on the verge of a title showdown at Pipeline, Mick received tragic news on his older brother Peter.

According to Beach Grit, Peter Fanning, who was a father of three, was suffering from a hyperthyroid disease and died in his sleep.

Back in 1998, Mick got news of a horrible car accident down the Australian Gold Coast. Sadly, Sean Fanning was in the car at the time and lost his life in a deadly crash.

According to Surfer Magazine, there were four young surfers in that car. Two made it out alive, but Joel Green and Sea Fanning were declared dead on the scene.

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Mick Fanning was never the same after his first brother passed away. According to his mother, the two were very close and very passionate surfers.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, after the accident, "nobody on the Gold Coast saw Mick Fanning for a while after that. Not the real Mick... Mick was offered a ride in the case that killed Sean. He declined in favor of walking,"

Furthermore, according to the Daily Mail, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said: "We are providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who died in Madagascar. We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time."

The Aussie surfing legend is enduring yet another tragedy in the family, in 25 years. Mick Fanning also survived a jaw-dropping shark attack at J-Bay in 2015 which saw him step away from surfing. Regardless of his terrible adversities, he is an incredibly resilient person and a great athlete that never caves in. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Fanning family.

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