Surfing world horror as Victorian state champions Mitch Baker and Neil Luke die within a week of each other
The Phillip Island and greater surfing community is in mourning after the tragic deaths of two beloved Australian surfers within a week of each other.
Former Victorian state champions Mitch Baker and Neil Luke will both be farewelled by the surfing community this week after their shock deaths.
Baker, 32, died suddenly leaving behind his partner Ashley, parents Zena and Craig and brother Callum.
The news of his passing has impacted the entire Australian surfing community, with three-time world Champion Mick Fanning reacting to the tribute post and pro surfer Jack Freestone releasing a touching tribute.
‘One of the guys I got so nervous drawing in a heat when I was younger. Such a great surfer and such a nice dude on land,’ he posted.
Mitch Baker has been remembered by the surfing community as a kind and gentle soul that took pride in giving back to his local community
Neil Luke made his mark on surfing as an athlete, creating boards for others and as a coach
Pro surfer Jack Freestone was one of the many to leave tributes for the Baker family after hearing the news of the tragedy
‘Gone way too young. RIP brother. My heart goes out to Baker family.’
Phillip Island Boardriders Club president Jake Eisen was a close friend of Baker’s and said the whole community was left shattered.
‘He was the most gifted athlete when he was a kid,’ he said.
‘Just a gifted, gentle, kind person.
‘He always had a chat, always gave back to his community and you just couldn’t get much better.
‘You couldn’t get a better athlete, human, nice person, just a good all-round human
‘He was one of the most talented, up-and-coming juniors in Australia
‘He was well liked and he commanded a lot of respect. We’re in shock.’
His heartbroken partner Ashley also released a tribute.
Baker’s heartbroken partner Ashley posted a tribute to the young rider following his tragic passing
Ashley shared this image of Baker heading out into the water, his favourite place
‘Family and friends please join us for the send off for our boy Mitchy,’ she posted.
‘Mitch was such a big, kind hearted soul and we are going to send him off in the way he deserves.’
Luke was another talented surfer in his younger days and the worlds longest running kneeboard contest was recently re-named in his honour as the Neil Luke Kneeboard Classic.
He not only impacted the sport with with his surfing, but his long career crafting boards for others with his business Neil Luke Kneeboards.
Luke’s family announced that he succumbed to his three-year battle with cancer on February 4.
‘He was at home and was surrounded by family and friends. Up until the end, he was his hilarious self and was enjoying sharing stories with his kids,’ the family released in a statement.
‘He has shown amazing resilience through his three year battle with cancer. His positive attitude and humour has been incredible to watch.
‘Thankfully he has enjoyed reasonable health and independence over the last three years. On Sunday he suddenly deteriorated and received palliative treatment at home until he passed.
Luke was a much-loved part of the Australian surfing community for decades until he succumbed to cancer earlier this month
Luke was a gifted young surfer that was regularly selected in representative teams
Even toward the end, Luke would often be seen enjoying his favourite pasttime on the water
‘Thank you for all your love and support for Neil/Dad and our family over the last three years. Love from the Luke family.’
Eisen said that Luke was also a well-respected mentor and coach in the surfing community.
‘He was somebody I knew from a very young age that always gave back,’ he said.
‘Always helped with grommets [juniors], helped them flourish and gave them courage.
‘He taught them resilience. And that is something that is pretty important when the swell face is coming up.
‘He was Victorian coach for a number of years, he was our team coach for a number of years.
‘There wasn’t a more respected leader than Neil.’
A memorial service for Luke will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Bentleigh East, Victoria on February 14
The funeral service for Mitch Baker will be held at the Phillip Island Boardriders Club, 76 Veterans Drive, Newhaven on February 12 from noon
Fellow surfer Michael Penevski shared his tribute to Facebook, posting: ‘Condolences to the whole family.’
‘I had one of his boards made last year and spoke to Neil a few times throughout that process where we would chat about a bunch of things.
‘I was impressed with how positive and resilient he was during those phone calls.
‘Other than for the fact that he told me about his illness, there is no way I would have known he was fighting cancer. Very positive and full of energy. ‘Rest in peace Neil.’
Victorian Surfing has paid tribute to both of the champion surfers.
‘Tragically, last week we lost two of Victorian Surfing’s finest,’ the organisation posted.
‘Both Mitch Baker and Neil Luke were valued parts of the Victorian surfing community winning state titles throughout the years and contributing to the community in many other ways.
‘Our condolences go out to both the Baker and Luke families.’
A memorial service for Neil Luke will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Bentleigh East, Victoria on February 14.
Additionally, a surfers paddle-out and barbeque is being planned on Phillip Island.
The funeral service for Mitch Baker will be held at the Phillip Island Boardriders Club, 76 Veterans Drive, Newhaven on February 12 from noon.
If you need support, contact Lifeline 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
