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Yam Wisman, a 23-year-old surfer from Ceara, Brazil, passed away in a motorcycle accident in the Philippines on Tuesday. Wisman had competed in several WSL longboard competitions and was also a talented shortboarder.
Wisman, born to Israeli parents, was from Jericoacoara, Brazil, a town known for its longboard culture.
Reports say that on Tuesday, January 27th, Wisman was driving a motorcycle when another motorcycle carrying three people entered the road going the wrong direction and crashed into him. The incident took place on Palawan Island.
“Yam carried the name of our village to the world with humility, dedication, and a genuine love for the sea,” the town of Jericoacoara wrote on social media. “His journey was followed with pride by all who saw in him not only as an athlete, but a special human being.”
The global surf community wrote messages to remember his legacy.Â
“Gone too soon!” wrote Joel Tudor. “Rest easy Yam. My condolences to your family.”
“So heartbroken,” said the Brazilian three-time WSL longboard tour runner-up Chloe Calmon. “Always so kind, so fun to be around. Such a talented and inspiring surfer. Gone way too soon. Sending so much love and prayers to your whole family.”
The Wisman family posted on social media saying that Yam’s insurance did not want to pay to bring the body back to Brazil. Thus, they started a crowdfunder to cover the costs.