British professional skateboarder Ben Raemers has passed away at age 28. The popular skater was signed to skateboarding company Enjoi.
Despite a rumor that Raemers committed suicide, an official cause of death has not been released and the claims are unsubstantiated at the time of writing.
Louie Barletta took to the official Enjoi Instagram page to confirm Raemers’ death amid speculation on social media. “I just found out my friend Ben passed away this weekend. there are no words to describe the sorrow of losing someone so close. He wasn’t [just] a teammate, he wasn’t just a friend… he was family. I love you and will always miss you Ben. – Louie”
Many tributes have poured in for Ben Raemers on social media as the skateboarding community suffers another loss following the death of Thrasher editor Jake Phelps earlier this year.
https://twitter.com/the_nwahs/status/1128442483296354305
RIP Ben Raemers
We’ll always remember the good times, endless laughs, and amazing skate sessions. THANK YOU ???✨ #BenRaemersRIP pic.twitter.com/YQaw5eTUFH
— eS Skateboarding (@eSskateboarding) May 15, 2019
Skateboarding has taken too many losses this year. My condolences go out to his family and friends.
Ben Raemers Forever! ? pic.twitter.com/TovGi7wsmO
— Skate Winslet (@MattyGerber) May 15, 2019
Ben Raemers. So sad, skate on forever brother. Peace???
— Berny Mullin (@BernyRubble) May 15, 2019
Ben Raemers was last active on his Instagram account on April 28.
He was from Walton-on-the-Naze, a small town in Essex, England, but was based in the United States. He appeared on the cover of Thrasher in 2010 as his career continued in an upward trajectory.
Ben Raemers was not publicly known to have suffered from any medical conditions that could explain his untimely passing.
Raemer’s family has not released an official statement on his death. Ben is remembered as one of Britain’s most talented skateboarders — many who knew him have paid tribute online to his sense of humor and passion for skateboarding.