The head of world surfing Brodie Carr says he was aware that Andy Irons had mental health problems but says he knew nothing about drug taking.
The three-time surfing world champion died yesterday in Dallas and police are investigating whether he died of a methadone overdose.
The 32-year-old was regarded as one of the greatest surfers in history and had admitted previously that he had mental heatlh issues and if it wasn't for surfing he might self-destruct.
Irons took a break from the surfing circuit last year to resolve personal issues, with suggestions they have been drug related.