Joe Lopes
Personal information | |
---|---|
Full name | Joseph Lopes |
Nickname | Lopes |
Born | San Leandro, California | October 28, 1964
Died | March 24, 2002 Farmington, California | (aged 37)
Sport | |
Country | United States |
Sport | Skateboarding |
Event | Vert skateboarding |
Turned pro | 1983 |
Joe Lopes (October 28, 1964 - March 24, 2002) was an American former professional skateboarder.
Career
Lopes started skateboarding in the
Lopes' barbecue graphics, designed by professional skateboarder Neil Blender, was considered to be one of the most popular skateboard graphics of the late 1980s.
Death
In March 2002, Lopes was killed in an auto accident, leaving behind a wife and five children.[1] A month after his death, a contest and barbecue (one of Joe's favorite activities) was held in his honor. Presented by Etnies footwear and Element Skateboards, thirty skaters entered the contest but first place was awarded to Joe Lopes.[2] Between the fundraiser and the donations during the barbecue, the fundraiser raised $2200 for Lopes' family. Neil Heddings, who had won the contest, overheard former 411 Video Magazine founder Steve Douglas talking to a friend about how the winners should donate part of their winnings to the family. Heddings agreed, saying "That's a great idea!", and donated his entire winner's share to the fundraiser.[3]
Personal
Lopes enjoyed barbecuing and was quoted as saying "I don't want to enter that contest, but I will cook for anybody." He also enjoyed making anything out of wood, including cages for the snakes and tarantulas that he taught.[4]
See also
- List of sportspeople who died during their careers
References
- ^ Transworld.net: Joe Lopes Forever, April 15, 2002
- ^ Skatepunk.com: Orange Crush - Joe Lopes Benefit Contest, April 23, 2002
- ^ Josh Board (April 22, 2004). "Skateboarding Is Not A Crime But Murder Is". San Diego Reader. Retrieved August 16, 2013.
- ^ California Union Democrat: Skateboarding pioneer not forgotten by family members, September 11, 2005