The Fanning brothers when they were younger (with Edward, Mick, and Sean in front, and Peter behind), and (right) a recent photo of Edward. Credit: Facebook
The Fanning family has reportedly suffered the loss of a brother and son for the third time since 1998 with news that Edward Fanning passed away circulating on Tuesday. The death was first made public through social media when a close friend by the name of Steve Maher posted a message to Facebook.
“Firstly I want to send my condolences to the Fanning family … mum Liz, dad John, sister Rachel and brother Mick,” Maher wrote. “My heart is broken to hear the passing of my best mate. I enjoyed and had so many amazing times with you Eddie. You were in my wedding party, had so many epic times together in Indo and we were just best mates. I’m goin’ to miss you Eddie and now you rest in peace.”
As mentioned, this is the third time the Fanning family has been struck with a tragic loss. Mick Fanning’s brother died in a car accident in 1998 when he was just 20 years old. Mick’s oldest brother Peter passed away in 2015 from complications related to a heart condition. The death came in December at the end of a remarkably rocky year for the three-time world champion, which included the infamous scuffle with a shark while surfing in the J-Bay Pro and a behind-the-scenes divorce.
“Like all my big brothers, Peter will always be a hero to me,” he wrote after Peter’s death. “I have so many great memories of the good times we have all spent together and they will be with me forever. We recently caught up and he told me how proud he was of me and how much he loves watching me compete. Today was one of the most challenging days of my life but I knew I could find the strength to take part in the final event of the season because that’s what Pete would want. I also want to give special thanks to my other brothers – my friends on tour – for their support, I couldn’t have gotten through today without them…Tell the special people in your life you love them and give them a hug.”
Multiple news outlets are reporting Tuesday that Edward was living in Madagascar where he worked at a surf camp, however the specifics of his passing haven’t been reported at this time.
Like Mick said, tell your loved ones you love them. Give them a hug if you can. And let’s all keep our thoughts with the Fanning family as they navigate another tragedy.
