News Summary
The Huntington Beach community is grieving the loss of 20-year-old Kolby Aipa, who tragically died from injuries sustained in an e-bike accident. Kolby, an emerging surfing talent and grandson of surfing legend Ben Aipa, was critically injured when he lost control of his e-bike and collided with a vehicle. Following a period on life support, his family made the heartbreaking decision to end his care. The community rallies around the Aipa family, highlighting their strong support during this painful time.
Huntington Beach Mourns the Loss of Kolby Aipa, Young Surfing Talent
Huntington Beach residents are in mourning following the tragic death of 20-year-old Kolby Aipa, who succumbed to injuries sustained in an e-bike accident. The accident occurred late Saturday night, August 2, at around 10:08 p.m. near the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Seapoint Street.
At the time of the incident, Kolby was being towed by a friend driving a Toyota Tacoma. Reports indicate that Kolby lost control of his e-bike and collided with the vehicle towing him. Critically injured in the accident, he was transported to UCI Medical Center, where he remained on life support until his family made the difficult decision to take him off on Tuesday, August 5.
A Legacy of Surfing
Kolby Aipa was not only a beloved member of the Huntington Beach community but also the grandson of Ben Aipa, a legendary figure in the surfing world. Ben Aipa, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 78, was renowned for shaping iconic surfboards and was a member of both the Surfing Walk of Fame and the Surfers’ Hall of Fame. He is credited with inventing the swallow tail surfboard and creating the “sting” design, which contributed to enhancing board speed.
Kolby followed in his grandfather’s footsteps and was recognized as an up-and-coming surfer, known for his talent and association with major surfing brands. He was an active member of the Huntington Beach Board Riders club, which further solidified his status within the surfing community.
The Aipa Family and Community Response
The Aipa family is the owner of Aipa Surf, a surf apparel and surfboard company founded by Ben Aipa in 1970. Following Kolby’s tragic death, the family expressed their heartbreak and gratitude to supporters, medical staff, and the community for their love and support during this challenging time.
A GoFundMe campaign initiated by the Pai family, who owns Huntington Surf and Sport, has raised over $61,000 to assist the Aipa family during this difficult period. This outpouring of support showcases the strong connections and sense of community that Huntington Beach is known for.
Investigation Ongoing
As the community comes to terms with this devastating loss, local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. So far, no arrests have been made, and law enforcement officials have called on witnesses to come forward. On the night of the accident, police temporarily closed both directions of Pacific Coast Highway to conduct a comprehensive traffic collision investigation.
Remembering Kolby Aipa
In the wake of Kolby’s passing, his family underscored his kind nature and vibrant spirit, encouraging others to “pass his Aloha on” in memory of him. As a young athlete with a passion for surfing, Kolby is remembered not only for his talent but also for the joy and positivity he brought to those around him. The loss felt by the community serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring impact of love and friendship.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Kolby Aipa, Surfing Legend’s Grandson, Dies After E-Bike Accident
- KTLA: Victim of Fatal Huntington Beach Truck-E-Bike Collision Identified as Surf Royalty
- The Inertia: Kolby Aipa Passes Away
- Orange County Register: Man, 20, Dies After Crash Involving E-Bike
- Biking in LA: Kolby Aipa Dies After Huntington Beach E-Bike Crash
- Wikipedia: Kolby Aipa
- Google Search: Kolby Aipa surfing
- Google Scholar: Kolby Aipa
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kolby Aipa
- Google News: Kolby Aipa
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
