Real Talk April 1, 2020 / Comments

Skateboarder Jeff Grosso Dead at 51

Skateboarder Jeff Grosso Dead at 51
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Jeff Grosso, a legendary skateboarder, has passed away at 51.

On Wednesday, law enforcement sources told TMZ that the athlete died Tuesday at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, California.

Reportedly, there is no obvious cause of death, and an autopsy is expected to be performed.

The skate star is survived by his 8-year-old son Oliver.

Shoe and apparel company Vans, whose “Loveletters to Skateboarding” video series was hosted by Grosso, also confirmed the devastating news.

“To say Jeff’s impact on our brand, our people and skateboarding was unparalleled, would be an underestimation of how much of a role he played in the lives of us all,” the brand wrote on Instagram. “From curating content that highlighted the global skate community, to his unique and raw commentary of the skate industry, and mentoring up-and-coming athletes – there was nothing that Jeff wouldn’t do to uplift skateboarding and the people around it.

“Jeff Grosso is the epitome of skateboarding. We mourn the loss of our dear friend and our thoughts are with his family during this time,” they added.

Fellow skateboarding legend Tony Hawk paid his respects to Grosso, calling him “a great father” and “a true skateboarder at his core.”

While posting a video compilation of Grosso, Hawk shared on his IG page:

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It is with great sadness that I share with you the passing of Jeff Grosso. He was a true skateboarder at his core, and a great wealth of entertainment, insight and valuable philosophy to a younger generation. I was lucky enough to skate with him over the last four decades and occasionally featured on his @vans “Love Letters” series. Here are some clips that exemplify Jeff’s genuine love of skateboarding and his renegade attitude. One of the last times we spoke, we talked about how ridiculous it is that we still get to do this for a living and that anyone even cares what we do or think in terms of skateboarding at our age. I believe Jeff is a big reason that anyone truly cares, and skateboarding was lucky to have him as an ambassador and gatekeeper to its history. He was also a great father, which is obvious in his last social media post. Thank you Jeff, words cannot describe how much we will miss you. I feel like we’re living in the upside down.

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In a candid 2017 interview with Transworld Skateboarding, Grosso revealed he overdosed on heroin on three separate occasions.

At the time, he told the publication he has been clean since 2005, as July 22, 2017, marked his seven-year sobriety anniversary.

He will be missed.

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