Legendary skater and original member of "Z-Boys" Zephyr Skate Team Jay Adams passed away at 53.

He died of an apparent heart attack while on an extended family surf trip in Mexico.

During the late '70s, Adams and fellow Venice Z-Boys Stacy Peralta and Tony Alva were monumentally influential in popularizing skate culture in Southern California and notorious for using dried-out swimming pools as makeshift skate parks. The award-winning 2001 documentary Dogtown and Z-Boys, directed by Peralta, features footage and interviews with Adams discussing the history of skateboarding and its emulation of local surf culture. 

He was also portrayed by Emile Hirsch in the 2005 feature film Lords of Dogtown.

Peralta confirmed the news of Adams' passing via Instagram: “I just received the terribly sad news that Jay Adams passed away last night due to a massive heart attack, send your love.”