Skateboarding icon Jeff Grosso passes away at age 51
Jeff Grosso, legendary skateboarder, father, commentator, and host of the Vans’ Loveletters To Skateboarding series has passed away.
The skateboarding icon was only 51 years old. The reason for his death is still unclear, but an autopsy is expected to be performed.
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Jeff Grosso was a vertical skateboarding pioneer in the 1980s. He continues skateboarding throughout his decorated life. He hosted the Van’s Loveletters To Skateboarding YouTube series and was a commentator and voice for all things skateboarding.
Many members in the skateboarding industry including Tony Hawk, Vans’ Steven Van Doren and Thrasher Magazine‘s Michael Burnett have paid tribute to the late legend.
It is with great sadness that I share with you the passing of Jeff Grosso. He was a true skateboarder at his core, and a great wealth of entertainment, insight and valuable philosophy to a younger generation. I was lucky enough to skate with him over the last four decades and occasionally featured on his @vans “Love Letters” series. Here are some clips that exemplify Jeff’s genuine love of skateboarding and his renegade attitude.
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One of the last times we spoke, we talked about how ridiculous it is that we still get to do this for a living and that anyone even cares what we do or think in terms of skateboarding at our age. I believe Jeff is a big reason that anyone truly cares, and skateboarding was lucky to have him as an ambassador and gatekeeper to its history. He was also a great father, which is obvious in his last social media post. Thank you Jeff, words cannot describe how much we will miss you.
https://www.facebook.com/TonyHawk/videos/2304583803179112/
Jeff Grosso – great friend, the most passionate skater I have ever known! He cared about all of us. Loved working with Lance and Joe building many amazing bowls, pools, vert ramps, and calling me all the time to get things fixed like the Combi pool before the Vans pool party each year. Jeff gave a shit and loved skateboarding. He will be missed. He loved his son as I saw in his instagram posts showing Oliver having a blast with Dad. Will miss you @vans
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-bWONbhKI1/
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Today we have the terrible task of saying a heartbreaking goodbye to beloved verticalist, commentator and friend of the mag Jeff Grosso. Jeff went from number-one amateur to 80s superstar to cautionary tale and back again. His latest role as lovable curmudgeon, host of his own history-packed web series and keeper of skateboarding’s righteousness, unafraid to offend or annoy in his quest to educate, was by far his greatest – second only to being Oliver’s dad.
Ripping ’til the end, he became an unlikely mentor to the generations that followed – from Muska and Tom, to Lizzie and Brighton – always cheering, heckling or offering advice. Jeff could be as gentle and sincere as he could be hilarious and hard, (on the coping and himself.) He ALWAYS skated with style. His grinds were long, his backside airs were head high and his handplants were stalled out and sadder than a funeral. He will be sorely, sorely missed. Our hearts go out to his family and many friends. RIP @grossosucks ❤️
– Michael Burnett
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-a4glxh6fc/
As the tributes tell, Grosso is survived by his 8-year-old son, Oliver.
Jeff Grosso was very open about his struggles with substance abuse. But, as stated, it is unclear whether or not that was a contributing factor in his untimely passing.
Jeff Grosso’s contributions to skateboarding will surely be remembered. However, the mark he left on the people around him will leave a legacy that lasts for much longer.
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