A skateboarder known for his daring stunts tragically passed away after being stung by a wasp. Andy Kessler, a prominent figure in New York City’s skateboarding scene, elevated the sport by introducing ramp techniques for more intricate tricks. He gained recognition in the 1970s as part of the renowned Souls Artists of Zoo York group.
In 2008, while assisting a friend in constructing a deck in East Hampton Town, Andy fell ill after a wasp sting. Rushed to Montauk Medical Center, which was closed, he was later taken to Southampton Hospital where he was pronounced dead due to a heart attack following an allergic reaction.
Friends and colleagues mourned Andy’s sudden passing, with fellow skateboarder Chris Nieratko expressing disbelief and deep sorrow. Andy’s impact extended beyond skateboarding, advocating for skate parks and inspiring the next generation. Despite facing challenges like a serious injury in 2005 without health insurance, Andy’s resilience shone through, with the community rallying to support him financially.
Andy’s legacy endures as a skatepark in Manhattan was renamed in his honor in 2019, a fitting tribute to his contributions to the skateboarding community.