While on our trip we made the trek, to San Clemente’s finest gem, Lower Trestles at the 2011 Hurley Pro. Here are some photos from the event.

Additionally, 50% of all proceeds at participating Chipotles will go to the Surfrider Foundation.

Participating Chipotle Locations
Pacific Beach, Encinitas, Harbor Center, Huntington Beach, Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Jacksonville, Daytona Beach

The Verdict
Dr. Vincent Di Maio, a prominent forensic pathologist in San Antonio, TX, who has consulted on many high-profile cases, was asked to review and explain the autopsy results to the family.

“This is a very straightforward case. Mr. Irons died of a heart attack due to focal severe coronary atherosclerosis, i.e., ‘hardening of the arteries.’ He had an atherosclerotic plaque producing 70%-80% narrowing of his anterior descending coronary artery. This is very severe narrowing. A plaque of this severity, located in the anterior descending coronary artery, is commonly associated with sudden death.”

Dr. Di Maio continues: “The only unusual aspect of the case is Mr. Irons’ age, 32 years old. Deaths due to coronary atherosclerosis usually begin to appear in the late 40′s. Individuals such as Mr. Irons have a genetic predisposition to early development of coronary artery disease. In about 25% of the population, the first symptom of severe coronary atherosclerosis is sudden death.” He concludes: “There were no other factors contributing to the death.”

Drugs in Andy’s system were consistent with, “Therapeutic levels”
Dr. Di Maio goes on to say that the drugs cited, Alprazolam (Xanax) and methadone (an analgesic drug commonly used in the treatment of chronic pain), are in “therapeutic levels” and notes that benzoylecgonine is an “inactive metabolite,” which Gary H. Wimbish Ph.D., DABFT, a forensic toxicologist consulted by the family, has explained is a breakdown product of cocaine. Wimbish states that the benzoylecgonine present in Andy’s blood at 50 ng/ml “is consistent with the use of cocaine at about 30 hours prior to his death.” In addition, Wimbish agrees with Dr. Di Maio that that the amount of Alprazolam present in Andy’s blood “is consistent with a common therapeutic regimen.”

Our Take
Not having known Andy personally, I’ve talked to people that did and the conversations are similar. People had a lot of respect for Andy and loved Andy greatly. Though he had self admitted issues both seen and unforeseen. Nothing seemed to overshadow his greatness or his stern will. Those that knew Andy always believed in his ability to overcome and accomplish in adversity.
With that, it’s Andy’s legacy that now overshadows his family, the surfing community, and vividly speaks to those that can learn from this great tragedy.

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Enjoy! Click to view slideshow.

What’s Happening?
Special guest musician and a ton of goodies!