On October 12, 2016, Dylan Rieder passed away, after a long battle with leukemia. He was 28 years old. He was a professional skateboarder, a model, and so much more.

It’s difficult to put into words what an indelible impression he had on his thousands upon thousands of fans, however one of the most remarkable things is what Dylan was able to do with his 28 years. The world at large often looks to skateboarding to see what’s cool, and skateboarding in turn looked to Dylan. He truly was bigger than the sum of his parts.

Raised in Westminister, California, Dylan started skateboarding at age nine and talent like his simply couldn’t stay hidden for long. As fans, we were able to watch him grow from a boy to a man through photos and videos from Quiksilver, Osiris, TransWorld SKATEboarding, and others. He turned pro at 18 and in 2009, he had the very first trick in the opening sequence for Alien Workshop’s highly anticipated video Mind Field—an impossible that was wrapped and caught so powerfully, it may as well have been an entirely new trick.

Coolest guy I know. #dylanrieder @swankfuck_inc

A video posted by Russell Houghten (@russellhoughten) on

“THE WORLD AT LARGE OFTEN LOOKS TO SKATEBOARDING TO SEE WHAT’S COOL, AND SKATEBOARDING IN TURN LOOKED TO DYLAN. HE TRULY WAS BIGGER THAN THE SUM OF HIS PARTS.”

Dissatisfied with the caliber of his Mind Field part, Dylan took it upon himself to immediately film another. The result of this work ethic and dedication became the solo Gravis part—titled simply dylan.—that premiered online in 2010 without any fanfare or hype. In that video, the world was introduced to Mr. Rieder, the man.

This part was watched, rewatched, and devoured since the day it came out, a virtual textbook for how to look like you were born to skateboard. Come to think of it, the “solo part” is yet another trend that you can credit him with.

Notably, during his modeling career he appeared in DKNY’s 2014 ad campaign.

He leaves behind a body of work that is far too short, but is nothing short of inspirational.

Dylan… you were someone I always admired and looked up too. The way you held yourself. The way you could walk into a room, and everything felt still, Just for that very moment. Your power,Your energy,your style,your charm and smile. You taught me so much without every saying a word. Your actions taught us, how to be ourself, how not to care of other opinions. To be strong and focused To follow our dreams and passions. To have independents and be an individual. Someone that isn’t afraid to blazed his own trail. You always inspired with effortlessness. You left one the most memorable legacy. For the future generations to come, they’ll always remember you, and your gift you crafted. I had some of the best times with you and learned so much along the way. Thank you for everything You were my favorite, for just being you. I love you and I’ll miss you deeply! 💙

A photo posted by alex olson (@olsonstuff) on

Goodbye, Dylan. You made a tremendous impact on the world, and we are fortunate to have known you as fans. Skateboarding will never forget you.

“A beautiful body perishes, but a work of art dies not.” -Leonardo da Vinci 🌹#dylanrieder @swankfuck_inc

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@swankfuck_inc | Barcelona | 2005 |✨🌹✨

A photo posted by Oliver Barton (@oliverbarton) on

Timeless. #FuckCancer

A video posted by Matt Berger (@mattberger_) on

Dylan from FA World Entertainment on Vimeo.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family requests donations be made in Dylan’s memory to Dr. Stephen Forman. Please address checks to; City of Hope, in memo line: to Dr. Stephen Forman for Dylan Rieder.

City of Hope
Attention: Philanthropy
1500 E Duarte Rd.
Duarte, CA 91010

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