On Monday, August 10th, the skateboard community lost another icon, and many of us lost a very good, very kind, solid friend. OG NYC skateboarder Andy Kessler was stung by a wasp and died. I have very little to say about this. I still cannot believe it’s real. When I found out, I was walking out the door with my wife to see the OBGYN for our weekly visit leading up to our baby being born. The extreme emotions of anticipation of life and sadness of death floored me and made me vomit.
My thoughts are scattered. I can’t wrap my head around this tragedy. Guys like Andy aren’t supposed to be taken out this way.
Andy inspired generations of East Coast skaters on and off the skateboard. He showed us to give back to skateboarding, to get parks built, to help the next generation, to do something. I am unbelievable thankful for all the years I had knowing Andy.
In the 15 years I knew him he purposely never said my last name correctly and he never said it the same way twice. He loved to bust balls, with a smile on his face.
That smile is all I can think about right now.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his loved ones.
Andy was only 49 years old.
Life is short. It can be snatched up in an instant. Try and enjoy it as much as Andy did.
Rest in peace, Andy. Thanks for it all.
CHRIS NIERATKO
sweet jesus, he was flying down the hill. balls out. you'll be missed.
Posted by: bummerdude | 13/08/2009 at 16:56
r.i.p
Posted by: rip | 13/08/2009 at 16:57
why do the most important people have to go too early? rest in peace
Posted by: oooft | 13/08/2009 at 16:58
i like that there was the wipe out first and then he nails it. thought he was going to take out that woman and stroller.
Posted by: sucks | 13/08/2009 at 16:59
i like that there was the wipe out first and then he nails it. thought he was going to take out that woman and stroller.
Posted by: sucks | 13/08/2009 at 16:59
@ sucks
and it looks like they thought he might need an ambulance. you can't see their faces but from their body language it's obvious they were in shock. then he pops up and runs up the hill like it's nothing.
Posted by: yancy | 13/08/2009 at 17:11
Crap, this sucks. Talk about a shitty way to go, too... A goddamn wasp?
Posted by: Wenz | 13/08/2009 at 17:26
He'll be missed, even by those of us who didn't know him well. Such a nice dude and an important influence in NYC.
Posted by: Dietz | 13/08/2009 at 17:43
Andy's obituary from the NYT:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/13/nyregion/13kessler.html?hpw
Posted by: Dietz | 13/08/2009 at 17:45
nieratkos last article about how gay skateboarding has become, and now to this tragic news but maybe it will inspire skaters to return to the roots of NYC skating. we can only hope. r.i.p.
Posted by: darthvice | 13/08/2009 at 17:59
another NYC great. Legends never die.
Posted by: Jono | 13/08/2009 at 18:18
rip it up!
Posted by: .pho queen | 13/08/2009 at 22:20
We know the family for many years. His mom and dad did the flowers at our wedding and the wedding of our sister. Rest in peace Andy. Jodie and Ruth Sherrie Chrein , Stephanie Chrein, and I (Frank Goldsmith) from Florda(Annette and Jerry Chrein's kids) want to tell you how sorry we are for your loss.
Posted by: Frank and Sherrie Chrein Goldsmith | 14/08/2009 at 02:23