Two weeks ago on August 1, 2011, Outside Magazine posted former Surfer Magazine editorial staff member Brad Melekian’s story on Andy Irons’ death titled Crashing Down to its website. We didn’t link it up then and rather than just let it roll by unchecked, we’re linking it up now.
Most Boardistan.com readers already know the story and while some of the rumors we’ve all heard are confirmed in Melekian’s well-written piece (specifically AI’s evening in Miami), there really isn’t all that much new info here. Still, it’s worth a read if you (like us) missed it when it first came out.
[Link: Outside Magazine]
You know for every negative story out there in the world, there are at least two positive stories that are never told. I am personally disappointed that Brad Melekian isn’t out applying his talents into documenting how a guy like Greg Long is not only redefining our sport, but doing so with humility. Nor is he putting the same zeal and effort into telling the story of the courageous fight that Dean Randazzo continues to wage against cancer. It seems apparent to me that Melekian sees an opportunity to build himself into the next Sebastian Junger. And if that’s the path he chooses to take – to make his name off Andy Irons death – then so be it. But don’t make it it out like you are doing for the betterment of the sport of surfing…because that my friend is a load of shit.
i really love how everybody is in such a state of denial about Andy Irons drug problem and how it related to his death. i think this story was well thought, meant, and written. and it’s REAL. it’s not jut throwing a bunch of shakas like the rest of the Irons coverage. i don’t think it serves anyone’s interest to just gloss over how Irons died.
i’m not some hard charging straight edger who thinks that you shouldn’t party….it IS part of our lifestyle. but there is a line that shouldn’t be crossed, and Andy did it for years on end. i think it serves a good purpose in illustrating that it’s ok to smoke some pot and drink some beers, but if you start mixing it up with fucking coke, oxy, xanax, and methadone……well, this is what happens. all the naysayers to the this truthful coverage need to realize that this should be taken, at it’s root, a positive message the younger generation.
i just really don’t see this as an attack on Andy’s character.
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