Remembering Robert Rohmann

Published:June 15, 2016
Views:5,122

After locking in a near-perfect heat in Round 4 at the Fiji Pro, Kelly Slater dedicated the performance to his friend and fellow Floridian, Robert Rohmann. The East Coast surfer had passed away just hours before Slater paddled out from a rare pulmonary disease. Rohmann was 30 years old.

“Thinking of the Rohmann Family and all of Robert's friends,” Slater wrote on Instagram before his heat. “We lost a great human/friend/father/son/husband today. Condolences to all.”

For months, Rohmann had been hospitalized for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH). The rare disorder can be manageable, resulting in shortness of breath, fatigue, or weakness – but for Rohmann, the disease brought blood clots, a collapsed lung, and ultimately left him in a coma. The coma lasted for almost two weeks before Rohmann passed away.

Before CTEPH left him hospitalized, Rohmann was a celebrated local fisherman and surfer in the Satellite Beach, Fla. community. His father, Bob Rohmann, was also a local surfer – winning a string of competitions through the ‘70s and ‘80s. And in 2010, the elder Rohmann was inducted into the surfing Hall of Fame. Both father and son shared the honor of taking home first place at the National Kidney Foundation Pro-Am in Cocoa Beach, although decades apart.

To help cover the exorbitant medical expenses to treat Rohmann’s CTEPH, a GoFundMe account was set up. At the time of his death, nearly 600 contributions had been made and close to $70,000 donated. But although the doctor’s bills have come to a halt, the support effort will continue – Rohmann leaves behind a wife and two young daughters.

And that’s what Slater was thinking about, even after surfing what was possibly the best waves breaking on the planet at that very second in time. He had just scored a perfect 10, a high 9, and got pitched over the falls like a medieval catapult – but his mind was fixed on his late friend.

“I was kind of tripping, even though I had a great heat,” Slater told Strider Wasilewski in the channel, but then shifting focus and choking up. “You know what? Put that behind me. This was all for Robert Rohmann and his family today. Thinking about you guys. I’m sorry for your loss.”

To donate to Robert Rohmann’s family, check out the GoFundMe account.

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Rosaria 06/19/2016 02:24 PM

To the Family of Robert Rohmann so sorry for the loss of your previous loved one.

James Nettles 06/18/2016 11:50 PM

I meet robert while he fishing around my dock and the other docks on grant farm island years ago. He tied up and we chatted for awhile and I offered him a beer,he said a water would be cool. We talked about snook fishing and thought he might luck into something around the docks and the channel cut around the houses. We discussed tackle, lures and fishing the inlet. I only met him that time, but consider him a friend. Godspeed robert and condolences to his wife,children and family.

Peri Stump 06/18/2016 07:26 PM

Pete Hodgson said it best as well as Dave Whitehead. Checked out Robert's Avid Charters website. What a rad fisherman & athlete. Praying for the family members, especially his wife and daughters.Thinking of you Bob Sr. Reeling and surfing the eternal ones with no pain. Hope ya'll keep the memories alive. Peri /Palm Beach Gardens

Robert & Mayra Campbell 06/18/2016 05:25 AM

So sad to hear of Robert's passing. It's been years since we saw him, back when he and our sons were groms surfing ESA here in FL. Such a talented young surfer and just an awesome young man. Never forget that smile and his honest heart. Our condolences and prayers for the Rohmann family for their tragic loss and our hope is that Robert now lives in the presence of Jesus in unimaginable splendor and joy with no heartache or pain and that we will see that smiling face again on the other side.

Gail Mike Maria and Mark 06/17/2016 11:21 PM

to Tess, Bob, Robert's wife and Daughters know you are all in our Prayers and Hearts. What a sensitive, thoughtful and kind person HE was. May he rest in peace

Bob Craig 06/17/2016 05:53 PM

Devastating. Great kid, great family. My heart goes out to you and your family Bob.

Ed McManus 06/17/2016 05:40 AM

My condolences, thoughts, and prayers to Bob and all of the Rohmann family.

Pillows "as Robert would say" 06/17/2016 01:41 AM ** EDITOR'S PICK

Blessed to have Robert as a friend. Such a wonder man, I will miss him greatly. Some of my greatest and best memories involve Robert, and I'll cherish them forever. Thank you for all the joy you provide us! All my love to his family.

Sue DeWerff 06/17/2016 01:25 AM

Though I never met Robert, I chatted last week with Bob, Roberts father to get info for the ISD benefit for a story I wrote for FLORIDA TODAY. I learned so much about his son, how he was a true waterman, surfer and a kind soul- and how he was loved by so many, especially his father. It was all I could do to hold back my own tears- I am praying for the family and am so very sad for his loss. May God Bless and comfort them at this difficult time.

Matt Canina 06/17/2016 12:42 AM ** EDITOR'S PICK

I grew up with Robert, and I've always looked up to him. He's always been one of the good guys. Aside from excelling at everything he did, he loved his life and his family to the fullest extent. The world has lost a treasure, but Robert will live in my heart forever.

RPSD 06/17/2016 12:41 AM * PREMIUM MEMBER - Nickname

Got to know Robert a little when he was a surfing grom. Always the biggest smile, such a great surfer, such a great kid. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

Eric & Melanie Swanson 06/16/2016 10:00 PM ** EDITOR'S PICK

Neither one of us has the words, but a few that come to mind are, Skillful, Compassionate, Respect, Family, Happy and an overall Love of and for his life and the lives of those around him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Tim Ebaugh 06/16/2016 05:27 PM

Condolences and Prayers to the Rohmann family, May you rest in God's arms now.

Randy Fox 06/16/2016 04:00 PM

My friend, I never met you, but I know your father. He came from good stock, and gave good stock. The world is a far better place for having had you in it, and wont be as rich or beautiful without you. Heart goes out to your wife, your babies, your parents, and all those that loved you and those that would have had they had the opportunity. Randy

Carly Lane 06/16/2016 02:50 PM

His parents, his wife, his girls, his brother, his friends, and Robert himself, I'm so sorry for the widespread pain that is felt from this tragedy. Praying for peace for all who are grieving.

Remembering Robert Rohmann

Florida surfer, son of legendary competitor Bob Rohmann, passes away from rare disease

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