A horrific accident in the ocean in Portugal has claimed the life of big wave surfer Marcio Freire, whose legendary career was documented in the 2016 film “Mad Dogs.”
The seasoned surfer from Brazil was practicing his tow-in on Thursday at Praia do Norte beach in Nazare when, according to authorities, he slipped off his board.
Rescuers discovered the 47-year-old in cardio-respiratory arrest, according to the Portuguese National Maritime Authority, and they began performing “resuscitation procedures on the sand” right away.
Nevertheless, despite the efforts to save his life, Freire died. The news shocked the surfing community, and Nic von Rupp posted an impassioned message on social media lamenting the loss.
Surfing prodigy Matt Meola from Hawaii said in a picture on Instagram, “What a depressing day for surfing. It’s difficult to believe someone who seemed so large and unstoppable is no longer here.”
One of the three “Mad Dogs” surfers that successfully rode the “Jaws” wave in Hawaii was Freire, who was last seen smiling and taking in the waves only seconds before he perished.
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