Andy Irons (left) and Kelly Slater (right) during an ASP press conference.

KAUAI, Hawaii – Former three time world champion and Kelly Slater's most formidable challenger, Andy Irons, passed away in a hotel room in Dallas, Texas, en route to his home in Hawaii.

According to Iron's sponsor, Billabong, the surfer fell ill from the Dengue Fever in Puerto Rico, during an ASP event. After consulting the contest physician, he was told to return to Hawaii to have it treated.

But according to the Honolulu Star Advertiser, which cited the Tarrant County Medical Examiner, "Irons' death is being investigated as a possible methadone overdose and reported the drug was found along with other prescription drugs at the scene."

The former world champion is survived by his pregnant wife, Lyndie, who is due in December, and his younger brother, Bruce, a former competitor in the world tour.

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