A preliminary medical review by the Association of Surfing Professionals concluded that the ASP’s medical staff "met and exceeded protocols" in offering care to Kauai surfing legend Andy Irons in Puerto Rico before he was later discovered dead in a Texas hotel room on Nov. 2, according to a statement released today by Irons’ family.

"The ASP completed its preliminary medical review for the Rip Curl Pro Search Puerto Rico several days ago, concluding that the medical staff met and exceeded protocols, offering Andy Irons the best possible care," the statement said.

The statement quotes Irons’ mother, Danielle, who said the family could not have imagined the range of Andy’s impact and influence on people around the world. 

"It’s like one big giant hug, arms around you, of comfort," she said.

"The family would also like to thank the ASP Medical Team for their role at the ASP-sanctioned event at Puerto Rico and want to convey their appreciation to the ASP-approved Rip Curl Pro Search doctors who treated Andy there," Danielle said. "They were professional and did everything they could to take care of Andy’s health. I know how stubborn Andy can be, and once he makes up his mind there’s no changing it. He was set on coming home.

"Following a beautiful memorial service on Nov. 14th, 2010 at Andy’s beloved Hanalei Bay, the Irons family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who has reached out to them from the far corners of the planet.

"Andy’s passing was met with the most overwhelming and powerful wave of love and support."

A second ceremony will be held at the start of this year’s Pipe Masters.

Irons’ father, Phil, said in the statement that, "The friendship and concern that has poured in from everywhere has been unimaginable and we are deeply, deeply grateful. Words are beyond us."  

The family wants to thank "their friends at Billabong, who were there for the family from the first moment. Then they orchestrated such a soulful, loving day for the community and for Andy.

"The Irons family too wants to recognize the special community of Hanalei, where Andy and his brother, Bruce, were born and raised on the North Shore, and thank them for extending the aloha spirit in coming together, opening their arms and sharing their generosity ‘with us and everybody,’ and in continuing to support the Irons family. 

"We are still feeling the community’s sorrow so deeply," Phil said. "It helps to go through this together."