On December 14, 2024, we lost our beloved Ben DeAvies in a tragic accident. Ben was a radiant soul—a devoted husband to Emily, a passionate new father to his 8-month-old daughter, Paloma, and a cherished son, brother, and friend. He leaves behind his mother, Kathy, father, Daniel, brother, Maxwell, grandparents, extended family, and countless friends who were touched by his vibrant spirit.
I met Ben in 2015 when he was just 15—a wild, blond “toe head” with an infectious energy and a zest for life that inspired everyone around him. He lived boldly, embracing every moment. Over time, Ben became a mentor, guiding others through life’s challenges with unwavering support and wisdom.
To celebrate Ben’s legacy, we’ve teamed up with artist Mike Gigliotti to create a limited run of skate decks and t-shirts. The artwork, inspired by a 2016 Dogtown Skateboards ad photo of Ben taken by Andy Wissman, captures his essence. All profits from this project will go directly to supporting Emily and Paloma as they navigate life without Ben. This board is a tribute to his memory—a way to keep his light alive and rally around his family in their time of need.
Thank you for joining us in honoring Ben and helping Emily and Paloma move forward.