fortune favours the Bold

RIP MR Strange 1965 - 2013

On the afternoon of the 27th February 2013 breaking news swept across the mainstream and social media headlines: The news that not one of us in our own lifetimes had ever expected or even believed to be hearing. “That couldn’t happen!” “Not here on our beaches.” “Surely this wasn’t possible.” Were some of our initial reactions. Once the harsh reality had set in, it became disbelief! Adam Strange had been fatally attacked by sharks at the popular Auckland West Coast beach of Muriwai while out on a routine fitness swim. The news hit home and it hit hard not only for all New Zealanders but for those with a direct relation it was a reality check. As the events became clearer it emerged that Adam was one of our ‘Brothers of the ocean’, a local family man, award winning film maker, surfer and all round waterman. There had not been a fatal attack in our waters for 37 years and over the following few days as experts analysed the events of the attack it became certain that it was simply an unfortunate case of mistaken identity, a fact that sent shock waves through not only the local surfing community but surfers worldwide, each knowing that perhaps it could have been them. Even the great Kelly Slater felt the pain and was forced to tweet “‘This Is So Heavy!’ #Terrifying! Heavy way to meet your fate. Happy my friends are safe but my heart breaks for the man’s family and friends. #RIPAdamStrange “The surrounding West Coast beaches were all immediately closed as a precautionary measure and as a mark of respect for a fallen brother.