RIP Brad Masters.
Days ago, we learned that surf photographer Brad Masters, made famous for shooting the most-polarizing cover in surf magazine history, was in a Bali hospital after developing a “freak neck infection.” His partner, Trish Kincaid, said Masters first complained of a swollen gland in his jaw and, by December 25, his neck was “scarlet and bigger than his head.”
He then contracted a superbug and was put into a medically induced coma while doctors attempted to beat it back. After an extremely difficult month, the fight was lost early Sunday morning after being medivaced to a Perth hospital.
Masters’ heartbroken family released the following statement:
“It is with great sadness that we share the news of Brads passing in the early hours of this morning Brad tried really hard to stay with us but unfortunately his body was extremely weak to keep fighting. We will take comfort in the beautiful images he created through his photos and his quirky ways.”
He is survived by an 11-year-old son.
Chris Cotê, who edited Transworld Surf magazine and used Masters’ work regularly, said the famed Travel Issue cover is in his top three of all-time best ever.
It is my number one.
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Don’t sweat the VALs,midlengths,SUPpers,goatboaters,lids or the WSL. Paddle out like it’s your last. Commiserations.
That’s a bummer.
What a way to go.
I sure would love to buy a print of the cover photo. All proceeds to the family of course.
It seems there’s a deleted post somewhere?
Very sad. RIP, Brad.
I, for one, LOVE the cover pic. How was it polarizing?
it was a black kid. surfers are racist.
i meant….they didn’t like the framing.
Katzzzz new avatar same old cheap & easy trolling.
sensitive. with all the shit that goes in here…explain why it was controversial…?
Controversial? Don’t flatter yourself. Even though at times down here it feels like 10 guys sitting around a campfire talking shit. It isn’t. I see the numbers and a hell of alot of the Surf World reads it.
So maybe just keep that in mind, especially when commenting on a R.I.P post.
follow the conversation you initiated…. what was controversial about the cover shot? i love the shot. dude was legit.
still a lil curious…what made it controversial?
I guess it’s not someone riding a high performance surfboard on a cover.
the “community” is 10 strong. settle.
I’d like to hear the meat of this also.
Sad news and I hope he has some family to take care of his son.
People always make sure your travel insurance is up to date when going to indo, or anywhere !
Apparently they denied his claim as not being a covered medical issue, fuck insurance.
Yeah, I thought I read that on BG somewhere? Like it wasn’t an accident more of an act of god or something.
Sorry to hear.
Ran heaps of Brad’s gorgeous Indo lineup shots in Horsies. Never met him in person but he was always a great fella to work and correspond with. Humble and stoked. So very sad.