Skateboarding hero and HUF Worldwide founder Keith Hufnagel has passed away, following a lengthy battle with brain cancer. He was 46. 

“We are absolutely heartbroken to deliver the news today that HUF founder Keith Hufnagel has passed away,” HUF Worldwide confirmed in an Instagram post. “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 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.”

Keith Hufnagel was born in New York City in 1974. He grew up in Stuyvesant Town–Peter Cooper Village, where he got his first professional skateboard for his 13th birthday. Hufnagel would go on to cut his teeth skating through New York in the 90s before moving to San Francisco and transcending to pro status.

“I saw California as the mecca for skateboarding,” Hufnagel told Playboy, “and at that time San Francisco had the biggest scene. It was where all the footage was coming from.”

Hufnagel went on to open his first HUF store in San Francisco in 2002.

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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.

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