The Orange County District Attorney’s Office has filed a felony charge of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence against 21-year-old Brandon Scott Soleau in connection with the death of 20-year-old Kolby Aipa. The charges, announced by prosecutors, follow a nearly year-long investigation into the incident that occurred during the 2025 US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, California. Aipa, a prominent young surfer and grandson of the legendary Hawaiian shaper Ben Aipa, died after sustaining catastrophic injuries while riding an e-bike near Pacific Coast Highway and Seapoint Street.
According to investigators, the incident occurred when Aipa was holding onto a moving vehicle while riding his electric bicycle. He lost control, was struck by the vehicle, and was subsequently hospitalized in critical condition. He remained on life support for several days before succumbing to his injuries.
Legal Proceedings and the Manslaughter Charge
Kolby Aipa was widely recognized as a rising talent within the sport, carrying forward the professional legacy of his grandfather, Ben Aipa, who was instrumental in the evolution of surfboard design, most notably the “sting” model. In the weeks following the accident, the family released a statement expressing their heartbreak and thanking the community for their support, urging others to “pass his Aloha on” by treating people with kindness.
A Legacy in the Huntington Beach Surf Community
Beyond his competition results, Kolby Aipa was a fixture at the family-run business, Aipa Surf. His involvement in the shop and his presence in the local lineup made him a well-known figure in Southern California’s surf culture. Following his death, the community response was immediate and extensive.
In recognition of his impact on the sport and his role as an ambassador for the surfing lifestyle, Aipa was posthumously inducted into the Huntington Beach Surfers’ Hall of Fame.
Safety Concerns and the Use of E-Bikes
As the legal case against Brandon Scott Soleau moves forward, the focus for many in the surf community remains on the memory of Kolby Aipa.
Readers who wish to share their memories or offer condolences to the community are invited to join the conversation in the comments section below.
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