For Australian surfer Mick Fanning, 2015 has been a truly eventful year, in ways both life-affirming and tragic.
In a dramatic incident that captured the world's attention, Fanning escaped a shark attack in July while competing in the J-Bay Open in South Africa, and now he has suffered a tragedy closer to home.
As Fanning competed for a fourth world surfing title at the Billabong Pipe Masters in Oahu, Hawaii, reports emerged his older brother Peter, 43, had passed away suddenly overnight. According to Sky News, he was living at Fanning's Queensland property when he died. It is believed he was recently divorced and has three children.
Reports Mick Fanning lost his brother overnight. Our thoughts are with him as he surfs at #PipeMasters. pic.twitter.com/Pede0b7StP— FOX SPORTS News (@FOXSportsNews) December 16, 2015
"This is a sad and unfortunate incident and is a private matter for the family to deal with," a Rip Curl spokesperson told ABC News. "We ask that the media respect their privacy. But we can confirm Mick's older brother Peter has sadly passed away. We will not be commenting further."
No stranger to family heartbreak, another of Fanning's brothers, Sean, died in a car accident in 1998.
Speaking to media in Hawaii Thursday, Fanning battled his emotions as he acknowledged his brother's passing but made it clear he wanted to keep his mind on the competition. "There's some personal stuff going on at home," he said, his voice shaking. "It's heavy to talk about right now.
"I'm just cruising and just, trying to live."
Fanning's team and World Surf League have been contacted for comment.