Surfer Kalani David dies aged 24 after collapsing in water

David suffers from Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, which can cause a rapid heartbeat and seizures.

Professional surfer and skateboarder Kalani David died Saturday at 24 following a medical emergency in the water, the Associated Press reported.

David was surfing at Playa Hermosa on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. When he “appeared to have had some sort of epileptic seizure and drowned,” the AP Coroner’s Office said.

Kalani-born young athlete David Feeney Barrientos suffers from a congenital heart disorder called Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. This condition is caused by extra electrical pathways in the heart that affect the heartbeat and can cause paralysis and seizures.

According to Costa Rican officials who spoke to the news channel, his death is still under investigation. Friends and family began to speak up after his death. Including his younger brother Keoni, who paid tribute to his brother through an Instagram story.

“You are the best brother I could ever ask for. I will miss you, Kalani,” wrote Keoni.

The brothers often encourage each other through social media. In 2021, Keoni shared a photo with Kalani and captioned it. I can’t believe it’s been five years since I went to Australia to perform while my brother explored his life at WQS. Memories are fun, especially when they can be meaningful!” David had previously struggled with medical issues while training. And said in 2016 he was “thankful to be alive” after suffering a seizure at a California skate park.

“I was skating with @max_jenson @tonechapo @travisrivera, and suddenly I fainted, fell on my face, and woke up in the ambulance; my heart stopped too. Then I had three seizures when I went to the hospital. I’m so grateful to be alive!” he posted on Instagram.

In 2012, David won the World Junior Surfing Title in Panama, cementing his success as a professional surfer. At 14, he was a “skating prodigy,” according to his 2016 profile in Stab magazine.

During the same interview, David told the magazine that he could never choose between his passion for skating and surfing.