It's with the saddest regrets that I bring the news of another longboarder who recently passed away. I didn't know Hilton Byrne, but shortly after his passing I had already heard the news from two seperate people, described as a fan of Push.ca. Hilton passed away after serious brain injuries suffered in a longboarding crash involving motorcycles. Hilton was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
As with every passing, there's a message of safety that everyone should heed: the sports we love are dangerous, and as Hilton's case proves, even protection can't save us from everything. Those are the risks we all willingly accept (regardless if there's a signature on a 'waiver' or not) everytime we drop in, strap in, or point anything in the direction of adrenaline-seeking excitement. There has to be something that keeps us doing what we do, otherwise sites like Push.ca wouldn't exist.
Friend and fellow longboarder Emily Morton sent along photos, along with some words about Hilton. You can follow Hilton's fight at http://hiltonbyrne.blogspot.com/.
From Emily Morton:
The life of a longboarder is very different
from the average person's life.
After one push the world is different. You notice the quality of pavement. Hills are respected entities as opposed
to just being a nuisance to climb. One push can change the way the rest of your life goes, as was the case
for Hilton Alexander Byrne.
Toronto is mourning the loss of Hilton Alexander
Byrne after a tragic longboarding accident that occurred on October 11th, 2010. While skating near Wasaga Beach area,
Hilton Byrne was hit by motorcycles sustaining serious brain injuries that he
later succumbed to on October 30th at St. Mikes Hospital. At the time of the accident Hilton was
wearing a helmet.
Born May 10, 1990, Hilton was the living
proof of work hard, play hard. Those who know him will attest that he definitely played hard and
enjoyed what life had to offer. When he wasn't longboarding, you could have found Hilton skiing, snowboarding, parasailing, mountain biking or climbing.
He followed his passion for snowboarding to a local Richmond
Hill ski and snowboard shop where he started working as a young teenager. He was a dedicated staff member and his
love for the sport of snowboarding oozed through every conversation with any
customer that walked through the door. All will remember his poise, cool laid back charm and willingness to
help.
Hilton's legacy is more than a tragic accident. He was introduced to longboarding in
the winter of 2007. He poured
himself into longboarding, pushing his limits and progressed. While he lived in Kelowna, British
Columbia, he began a UBC longboarding Association aimed to unite the Kelowna
community. Hilton was an example
of dedication to his sport, and determination to progress the sport of
longboarding.
Hilton was an avid supporter of the use of
safety gear in sports. He proudly
wore his helmet while skating and snowboarding and those who didn't sport
helmets and pads to sessions were often met with a quick whitted comment; safe
people are sexy people. The family
would like to tell longboarders planning to attend the service, that boards
(and helmets) are welcome as a sign of solidarity.
In Hilton's memory, his family has set up
the Hilton Byrne Foundation. The
foundation will ensure all longboarders have access to helmets as well as
ensure that road use is legally permitted. The family will be taking donations for the Hilton Byrne
Foundation at the memorial service in Aurora on Friday. For more information regarding the
memorial service, please check out http://hiltonbyrne.blogspot.com/.
Ride in peace, Hilton.
