Keith Hufnagel death: Skateboarding icon dies from brain cancer

Graeme Massie
·3-min read
Skateboarding icon and entrepreneur Keith Hufnagel dies at age 46 from brain cancer (Jeroen Nieuwhuis/Red Bull Illume)
Skateboarding icon and entrepreneur Keith Hufnagel dies at age 46 from brain cancer (Jeroen Nieuwhuis/Red Bull Illume)

Skateboarding icon and entrepreneur Keith Hufnagel has died at the age of 46 from brain cancer, it has been announced.

Hufnagel, the founder of streetwear brand HUF Worldwide, had been fighting the disease for more than two years.

“We are absolutely heartbroken to deliver the news today that HUF founder Keith Hufnagel has passed away,” the company wrote on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

We are absolutely heartbroken to deliver the news today that HUF founder Keith Hufnagel has passed away. Keith battled brain cancer for the past 2.5 years. And though he beat the odds and fought back much longer than his diagnosis permitted, he ultimately and unfortunately lost the fight. Keith was not only the ‘HUF’nagel in HUF. He was the heart and soul of this brand. He built and brought together a community of people like no one else could. Keith paved the way for all of us – as a respected professional skateboarder, shop owner, brand founder, footwear and apparel designer, creative director, and industry leader. He showed us how to do it, and how do it right. Keith loved skateboarding and the culture around it. He did things his way and did them for the right reasons. He inspired so many of us across the globe. But above anything else, Keith loved and supported the people around him. He would do anything for his friends, family and children. He passionately wanted to see others succeed. And we all loved him for it. Keith’s legacy will continue to live on at HUF. Today, tomorrow and forever. Rest in peace, Keith.

A post shared by HUF (@hufworldwide) on Sep 24, 2020 at 3:10pm PDT

"Keith was not only the 'HUF'nagel in HUF. He was the heart and soul of this brand.

"He built and brought together a community of people like no one else could."

Legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk took to social media to pay tribute to Hufnagel.

View this post on Instagram

It’s incredibly sad to hear about the passing of Keith Hufnagel. He was a skating legend of NYC and SF fame, and a pioneer DIY businessman that valued integrity over profits. He was also one of the first to recognize Riley as a talented skater on his own merits. I am thankful to have spent time with him during my Lakai days; he was the catalyst and my biggest advocate for joining the team. Thank you Huf for all of the good times and constant inspiration. Skateboarding is collectively mourning today. This ride known as 2020 truly sucks. #fuckcancer 📷: @alex_papke @adam_wallacavage @atibaphoto

A post shared by Tony Hawk (@tonyhawk) on Sep 24, 2020 at 6:22pm PDT

“It’s incredibly sad to hear about the passing of Keith Hufnagel,” said Hawk alongside a picture of them together.

“He was a skating legend of NYC and SF fame, and a pioneer DIY businessman that valued integrity over profits. ”

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