In Memory of Van Wastell
I miss my friend Van. Knowing that I won’t get the phone call, that he’s up in SF and wants to shoot a couple of games of pool, sucks. I used to have a guest room in my old house, he use to stay with me and my cat loved him. He would wake up and play guitar or my keyboard, and that’s what would wake me up. Van was an amazing person. We shared a lot of good times, and I’m grateful to have had him in my life.
And those memories are the ones I’ll hold on to.
- Darin Howard
—
Fuck man, we lost another good one.. Van was a good friend of mine and a great human being all around. Not too many people have been born with such natural style on a skateboard, coupled with such a great personality. I will miss his goofy attitude, funny antics, and his amazing skateboarding . Van will obviously be missed by all of us here at deluxe and by skateboarders all over the world. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones, for they are the ones that are impacted the hardest by this tragedy.
We love you van! We will never forget,
Never!
- John Alden
September 9th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Friday evening when returning home from the ASR show and while exiting the sliding doors of the Oakland Airport and excitedly looking past the sidewalk for my wife in our seafoam green Hyundai anxious to get home and put the feet up…I was listening to a voicemail message from a friend and I knew something was wrong.
I called my friend right away, and tried to make sense of his message…we where both distressed and the call was not the easiest to comprehend, as the call ended I had just found out the world had lost another young talented skateboarder, Van Wastell.
His pro board from Krooked Skateboards was just released a little over a week ago, so he was well on his way to continuing on down the streets supported by his love for skateboarding.
Van was amazing, and will never be forgotten.
September 9th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
R.I.P. Van, your skating was a big influence on me, rip in peace because I know you’re shreddin up there.
September 9th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
RIP
September 9th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Shred In Peace. You will be missed. We will shred again on the other side.
September 9th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
SHRED IN PEACE…i feel like i knew you…friend.
September 9th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
I always got hyped on seeing new footage from Van, as did anyone I skate with. R.I.P. Van, you’ll never be forgotten.
September 9th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
RIP Van. I pray that God helps your family and friends get through this hard time. You’ll never be forgotten.
September 9th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Van,
I didn’t know you. I probably never would have met you, but it doesn’t even matter. You are a skater and so am I. That brings us closer together than most people ever will be in this short life. Even if we met randomly skating down the street we would have something to say to each other. I feel that bond with you, as I am sure every skater does, so it is with great sadness that I never got to witness your skating in person that I say good bye. We lost one of our own, and that kind of pain never goes away.
September 9th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
See U When I Get There Homie!!!
September 9th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give. Sir Winston Churchill (1874 - 1965) Van, you gave us more then we’ll ever be able to express. My deepest condolences to the Wastell’s friends and family.
September 9th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
everytime i saw van i new york i would be in awe. he was a talented musician and artist and i know that everyone who ever met, heard of or saw van will miss him.
September 9th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Man, I remember when I first heard about you, there was so much hype built up around you man, and I was certain you were one of my favorite skateboarders, it seemed like every new video that came out where you had some tricks in was the best video I had ever seen, over and over again. I love you man and you will live on through everyone single person who has had the pleasure of watching you skate, and the honor of knowing you personally. Shred in peace man
September 9th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
I’m sure everyone was, but from the moment I heard I’ve changed, I’ve dedicated and did everything for the honour of van. I never once met him, but he just seems like he would great you with open arms and was very considerate of other skaters.
He was a blessing to watch, one of the only skaters I would have done anything to have style like his… so effortless and just unique and timeless.
My friends and I have always showed a huge liking to van’s approach and there is certain things like watching his and only his part in naughty to go skate too, for months.
Just a terrible lose and you can feel when watching him, he just lives and breaths skating, a real old soul, like he’s from a different time in skating, where natural ability was key.
No joke, his ads and parts where far better than anyone at his age.
he also had a way of riding for the sickest company’s(krooked, consolidated, indy, spitfire, etc.) you knew they were chasing him, because real hardcore skaters understand his style and finesse.
his logic 9 part is the only logic part that matters, seriously.
“van hello is this van”
his songs were always top notch.
just an epic motherfucker.
he’ll be more than missed.
he’ll live forever in the hearts of real skaters like him.
we love you, and I’ll continue to emulate your style, because your my inspiration.
RIP Van, you make me not want to ever stop pushing, I love you.
September 9th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
You were a ripper and will always be remembered. I hope that you can float your tricks everywhere on the other side.
September 9th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
growing up skating with the Wastell family in Simi Valley was a highlight of my youth. To later get the honor of working with Van as a friend and a fellow skateboarder always meant so much to me. He comes from a line of talent that in many ways is untouchable. I truly miss him and my heart feels heavy just thinking about this loss. Van I hope you are out ripping in the heavens above! You will be missed by all and you have left an ever lasting impression on all that you touched, you helped make skateboarding GREAT. RIP Van.
September 9th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Watching Van’s part in Gnar Gnar before skating always meant and still means that it will be a good session. You had something different, Van. Like many other skateboarders, I never had the pleasure to have met you, but I feel like I lost a friend. RIP
September 9th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Van, you are loved by everyone, i cannot say how much i miss you
although i never got a chance to meet you your spirit still lives on in each and every one of us
i tear up and cry writing this now…
god bless Van, we miss you
let the lord be with you
RIP
September 9th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
I just found out a few minutes ago about the passing of the ripper we knew as Van Wastell. Just thinking of it makes me feel sad in my chest, even though I had never met Van in person or seen him skate. I will always remember Van for his sick style and talented skating but also the impressions I got from him as a person. He will be sorely missed in the skate world. I will always think of Van next time I go out and push around town, keep on the Krooked side Van!
September 9th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Gone but not forgotten, RIP.
September 9th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
to all van’s fans,friends and family…my biggest condolences to you guys…let’s cherish what he had left for us…
September 9th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Van,
Well i had a pretty fuckin cool birthday until i heard that you passed away that day. (sep. 4th)
I wish i would have gotten to see you get nice on your board in person, but at least i was fortunate enough to see it through all of your coverage.
You honestly seemed like one of the realist, most down to earth guys ever, and when i heard the news, i felt like i was a friend or a cousin of yours and was immediately torn.
Anyways Van..
I’ll see you in the afterlife and hopefully we can shred and chill since we never got the opportunity to in this one..
You’re the man, and my thoughts and prayers go out to all of your friends, family, and everone at DLX.
God Bless.
Brent from Chino, CA
September 9th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Dear Van,
I never met you, but your video parts were enough to make me in awe of your amazing style and seemingly quirky personality. The impact you and your skating has left on my friends and I is tremendous (to the point where we barely realize). I remember filming a line and watching the footage back and seeing that the bottom of my dickies came up pretty far as i was pushing and you could see all of my eras and my shin-high socks. As we were watching the footage back, I remember the first thing i said was, “Check out my Van steaz.” It was your style and amazing bag of tricks that I will miss most. I was so grateful for you when i found out that you were going pro because for what ever reason you held off on it. Well you made it man! Congratulations and thank you for inspiring my skateboarding for as long as i live. RIP.
Harry.
September 9th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Van,
you were to good of a person to leave us so quickly… but i guess it really is true afterall… “only the good die young”
September 9th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
above the text is a picture i took of van wastell and my homeboy anthony when vans came through plus skateshop in fort walton florida a couple months ago…i remember my friend keith was bumming cigarettes off him and we were all laughing and having a good time,for that whole hour i remember that he really never stopped smiling which is a really rare thing to come by-its one thing to lose a great skater,but its that much harder to lose a great person.and van was definately in that category.im really glad i got to meet him,but it really upsets me that he left us before his time.RIP van
September 9th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
R.I.P Van, a classic street skating style that brings the skate rat out of all of us. Skateboarding isnt the same.
September 9th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Thoughts and prayers go out to the Wastell family and anyone who knew Van.
His skating always put a smile on my face.
thanks Van
September 9th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
You will be greatly missed Van. I cant really find the words to express what I think of you and your skating, so I just hope you know that you are a true inspiration to us all and everyday each one of us steps on a skateboard theres a bit of Van Wastell in the reason why we’re heading out to skate.
R.I.P. Van.
Alex.
September 9th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Their was mad love for you over in jerzy Van,you will be missed
RIP Shred through life and death
September 9th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
One of the best skateboarders ive had the honor of knowing.
One of the best friends ive ever had.
lifes perspective is gonna be a lot different without you.
I miss you allready.
My hearrt goes out to Vans parents brothers sisters family friends.
I love you Van.
September 9th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
R.I.P this guy was one of the stylyist skater tht iv watch in skate vids man.he will be missed by many.
DIV FAE SCOTLAND
September 9th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
R.I.P. VAN. SKATEBOARDING WILL MISS THE STYLE YOU BLESSED IT WITH.
September 9th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
One of the few that made skateboarding look so fun. The way he lived life is how everyone should live…FREE!
September 9th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
RIP………
RIDE ON FOREVER
September 9th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Van you were and always will be recognized, renowned and loved as one of the true originals. Your skating and talent was your signature…not carbon copied, but unique and whole. Off the board you inspired us as well with your style and friendliness. My sincere condolences go out to the Wastell family and Van’s friends worldwide.
Rest in Peace.
September 9th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
I never really followed his skating, but the footage I saw of him was always interesting and different from the skateboarding you see every day. His part in the Krooked video was the first part I saw of him and it really opened my eyes to a whole new way of shredding. Rest in peace Van, and thank you for all of your hard work.
September 9th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Van influenced me in many ways, style and skating-wise….there’s not many skaters like him these days and i know he will be missed terribly.
R.I.P.
September 9th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
I met him like 3 times down here in PV mexico ! you were always cool a truly simple man and also a great great skateboarder. you will be missed ! sinceramente tus amigos de puerto vallarta !
descansa en paz !
September 9th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
the first footage i ever saw of Van was from his consolidated days and even when he was like maybe a freshmen in high school you could tell he was gonna go far. he just looked so comfortable on a skateboard all throughout his time here as one of us; a skateboarder like you and me. its just a tragedy that his untimely death occurred far too early in his life and at a time when he was really blossoming as a skater. its always a terrible feeling to hear about a skateboarder dying, not because of fear of the same fate, but because there is a certain camaraderie between all of us that everyone else will never feel and understand. my heart goes out to his family and friends.
we are all united forever and you will never be forgotten.
R.I.P. Van
jon from san jose, ca
September 9th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
i cried
September 9th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
VAN rip in peace. Got to skate with him for a day in the wonderful city of SF. Homie was straight killing it, 5050 to nose manny at that one gap to ledge to gap to sidewalk. Him passing reminded me of how quick this shit can change on ya, gotta enjoy every single day and skate your heart out everytime you get the chance. rip.
September 9th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Sickest skating, sickest parts… There will never be another Van Wastell.
September 9th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
RIP VAN
September 9th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
R.I.P Van Wastell.
James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
I seen you a few times in S.F. I remember you skating the ledge at the U.N. Plaza. You were skating and Gabe was shooting flicks. You were doing your buttery bluntslides…so sweet….skate in heaven my skate brother…shred for our lost skate brothers. I strive to be a professional skateboard like you are. Rest In Peace. Live life to the Fullest. Jah Bless.
September 9th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
R.I.P gobye for now
September 9th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
A legend who time came too soon. Van, you are loved and respected by all of us, and what you left us with is a blessing.
R.I.P. Van, we’ll be missing you.
September 9th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
I only knew you through those who knew you. They’re missing you now and hurting … sorry to not have you around.
We were all better with you here.
Rest well.
Kev
September 9th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
saw your family skating newbury park yesterday, they all looked like they were having fun
rip van
September 9th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
I met Van Wastell at a deluxe demo at innerspace skatepark, it was a few years ago, he was newer on the scene and just had a part in Krooked Kronicles.Van skated some at the demo but didn’t seem to into the scene but still managed to flow effortlessly on the mini ramp and cruise the rest of the park with his loose style. I was leaving with a friend and saw van drinking a beer waiting for the rest of the team. I took a second to tell him how much I really enjoyed his part and how I hoped he had another one soon. Van seemed genuinely stoked someone knew who he was and said thanks.
I always looked forward to any photos or clips after that and his go with the flow feel was something I could identify with.He always picked different spots and tricks , never staying on any given path.
He is missed and will always be remembered, wish I had the chance to skate with him,i get inspiration from his photos and footage daily.
R.I.P.
September 9th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
i didnt even know you, u didnt know me ,it dosnt matter. u were a awesom, unique, and always OG skater. imean shit u rode with the gonz!!!. everyone is very sad to learn that you were taken from us so suddenly. i know that r rippping GOD’s endless skatepark and chillin with shane cross because heaven was made for people like you guys. rip forever and rest in peace
van wastell for life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 9th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Van Wastell became one of my favorite skaters just out of the blue. First part I ever saw of his I was just amazed. He’s always going to be one of my favorites. It’s still really hard to believe someone as raw as him is gone.
September 9th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
rip in peace buddy.
September 9th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Van Wastell, you will never be forgotten. RIP.
September 9th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
i’ve been watching his fox and krolick edits daily just waiting for that next part to come out, or any footage for that matter. hands down, best style…period. you will never be forgotten, and you will forever be missed. R.I.P.
September 9th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
my hands are up, i’m standing up… encore encore…
contributions to ones life and the worlds were always special gems!
September 9th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Always in life we have to deal with death on a reoccuring basis , it never gets easier to deal with the loss of another human being , the only consulation we gets is that it draws us left behind closer and makes us all appreciate what we have and that we have to live life to the fullest and never take it for granted coz you just don’t know when times up. it makes me push harder longer faster and higher everttime i sk8. rip.
September 9th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
Losing a skater is like losing a close friend. we all share the love of skating and all have a deeper connection than most. Van, you will be missed and always remembered.
September 9th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
Rest in Peace, Van!
September 9th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
Van Wastell was and still is a powerful spirit, his soul will be present in skateboarding from here to eternity.
Van Wastell
Rip in Peace.
September 9th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
that is just so impossible to imagine someone so cool and unique could be gone just like that. his skating actually made me feel better so i cant even imagine how his close friends and family must feel. this is simply a tragedy
rest in peace man
September 9th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
words cant make out how i feel
you were so great at skating
and even though i didnt know you
your skating says a whole lot
and i miss everypart of it
September 9th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
Shred on in heaven Dude!
September 9th, 2008 at 11:56 pm
The future of skateboarding and a true skater R.I.P.
September 10th, 2008 at 12:05 am
Though i’d never met Van, i had always enjoyed watching him skate and it wasn’t until he was gone that i truly realized what he had done for skateboarding, whether it be a perfect backside flip or thowing a baby into the sky. Van seemed to enjoy himself at all times. If Van can somehow read these messages, i hope he realizes how much the skate community misses him and sees how he has effected us all.
RIP VAN you’ll in our thoughts and hearts forever
September 10th, 2008 at 12:05 am
van’s artistic take on sideways rolling has left a permanent mark on our culture. epic steeze and a sense of humour that shone thru his skating and seemingly everythign else he touched…. amazing stuff. thanks for the inspiration homie.
September 10th, 2008 at 12:15 am
When i saw your skating for the first time it didnt looked special to me at all, but after watching the Krooked-part 10 times i a row maannnn…..the style you had.
I hope the best for your familiy
September 10th, 2008 at 12:51 am
I couldn’t believe the news when i first heard it.
I saw Andrew Allen a couple days after he passed and asked him how he was doing and he said he was alright but he looked pretty bummed.
Van,
you’ll always been in our hearts and memories and with that your presence will never fade.
RIP homie.
Shred that spot only the few get to skate.
September 10th, 2008 at 1:41 am
One of the greatest styles ever. Pure talent. Rest in peace Van
September 10th, 2008 at 2:01 am
RIP Van. My thoughts are with your family and friends.
Skateboarding needs more people like Van
September 10th, 2008 at 2:21 am
thanks for the daily inspiration and for taking skateboarding further mate…creativity is something that few can comprehend and execute.
September 10th, 2008 at 2:38 am
24 is way too young to go. Skate in peace, wherever that might be.
September 10th, 2008 at 2:42 am
original style to the fullest.
Rest In Power Van.
September 10th, 2008 at 3:04 am
fuck van, i emailed you last week to explain why me and the old lady had split up because you got on so well with her it seemed the right thing to do. we are both devastated and will miss your random emails and miss seeing you when you visit london even more. i will think of you every time i listen to the jesus lizard, which is alot. your playful sensibility came through in your skating and everything else you did- skateboarding will miss you badly but not as much as the people you touched in life. bless up. jagger
September 10th, 2008 at 3:48 am
… Shred in Peace mate…
Skateboarding as lost one of the best…
Mr God, do us a favour… take the bush family instead…
My deepest condolences to Van´s friends and family…
September 10th, 2008 at 4:52 am
I never met Van Wastell only thru videos and pictures. amazing skateboarder. rip. My heart goes out to the family and friends.
September 10th, 2008 at 4:58 am
Another brother sadly gone from this world…
Our Loss is surely Heaven’s gain, i hope you’re shredding up there with Ruben Orkin, Phil Shao, Curtis Hsiang, Tim Brauch , Pepe Martinez, Harold Hunter, Mike Cardona, Shane Cross and a host of others.
See you when i get there one day Van, it’s gonna be a great session.
My condolences to all your family and friends.
May your soul Rest In Peace.
September 10th, 2008 at 5:07 am
you will not be forgotten, we love you, we will shred for you Van!
September 10th, 2008 at 5:20 am
Damn Van was one of my fav skaters of all time
i got on to the berrics and saw that he died a few days ago
i pursuaded my friend dylan to buy his new board at flamingo the day it came out instead of buting a blank or some shit just to keep things real or shall i say krooked
peace
September 10th, 2008 at 5:23 am
effortless style and originality, no wonder he was picked by the Gonz
September 10th, 2008 at 6:06 am
You never can be prepared for such a trdgedy like this. It always hits you when you least expect it, without rhyme or reason. They always say that something good always comes from something bad. In this case it helps everyone realize how much they were inspired by Van. It shows you how much he meant to the skateboarding world, and it helps bring skateboarders closer together. It helps to push skaters to live life to the fullest and cherish everyday on and off their skateboards.
Van, I didn’t know you personally, but you have inspired me, as you have everyone. From those who knew you, to those who have just seen a picture, or video part of yours we all thank you.
Keep an eye out for us up there buddy!
September 10th, 2008 at 6:53 am
Van Wastell was one of the greateset skateboarders, period. He was known and respected around the world. Van was one of my favourites and a true inspriation to watch. I never met him, he never even came came to the country where I live, but I can say in no uncertain terms that he was loved and respected here. I live in Johannesburg, South Africa and the fact that I appreciated Van and many others that I know did too, is a testament to the far reaching effect he had on this world in the short time that he was with us. RIP Van and much love from the continent of Africa.
September 10th, 2008 at 7:08 am
it was a pleasure to meet van when he was here in berlin 4 years ago,
i will always remeber the good time we had together!!!
R.I.P Van
September 10th, 2008 at 7:21 am
van was a true, original ripper. my thoughts are with his family and friends. EVERYONE go shred for van. rest in peace and thanks for the inspiration.
September 10th, 2008 at 7:32 am
This is so fucked….I only knew Van for a short time, but his positivity, humor, and raddness rubbed off on me in the biggest way. I will miss him, and miss his sick, creative skateboarding. Skate forever Van! Skate the heavens!
September 10th, 2008 at 7:45 am
Van arigatou
Van yasurakani..
Van Wastell smooth & powerfull & cleanstyle is forever
i miss you
R I P
September 10th, 2008 at 8:05 am
R.I.P
You will be missed.
September 10th, 2008 at 8:18 am
VAN your a SAV’, bummed i wasnt able to share more good times with you, see you soon my thoughts are with you family.
September 10th, 2008 at 8:27 am
I’m still shocked and in semi-disbelief about this whole thing. Rest in peace. The sessions in heaven with Pepe, Brauch, Hsiang, Kit Erickson, and Phil Shao just got heavier. Another fallen soldier taken too young.
September 10th, 2008 at 8:38 am
Van was a great human being and was a real treat to watch skate in person. I was lucky enough to shoot with him a few times and take a trip down to his hometown once. Even though he rolled his ankle at the first spot after the long drive south, it was still a pleasure hanging out with him. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
September 10th, 2008 at 8:40 am
Great skater
Great dude
forever in our mind
Rest In Peace, Van
September 10th, 2008 at 8:42 am
Where do I start? Is has been too real for me and at the same time surreal. Never can you prepare yourself for anything of this magnitude. In the blink of an eye someone you love can be gone. I hope his spirit will live on in everyone he has met and influenced. Just remember that funny little smile he used to make! My thoughts go out to his family and friends who have just had a piece of their hearts taken away. I’m so blessed to have known such a great INDIVIDUAL. Rest in peace brother!
September 10th, 2008 at 8:42 am
If people asked me who looks good on a skateboard - who truly has style - Van Wastell would almost always occupy my top ten list. I could always tell that he was enjoying his time on a skateboard and that made it an even more delight to watch him skate,
I will always remember the backing he had from fans who would always stress “Turn Van pro, Gonz!” or “I’m boycotting Krooked until he’s pro!” I became a fan of his skating the moment I saw him do the five-o varial heel in Krooked Kronichles and would be lying if said I wasn’t one of the people mad at his am status.
Van was a skater’s skater and I’m sure anyone who has ever met him or seen him skate are glad to witness such a rad individual.
September 10th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Follow up: His board will be proudly displayed on my wall for all to see. Rest in Peace Van.
September 10th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Descansa en paz.
September 10th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Van made an impression on me from the first time I met him. He was one of a kind and I really loved him. He always amazed me because he was good at so many things, so talented beyond just skateboarding. I think he’s camping in heaven. I’ll remember him always and miss him forever.
This quote by Kerouac always reminded me of Van.
‘The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.’ Jack Kerouac
September 10th, 2008 at 9:15 am
I was talking to John Bradford and everything seemed good until Raymond called him and told him what had happened. It was something i really couldn’t see being true until Torey had told me the same thing Raymond had told john. This is yet another disappointing and sad lost. I never got to meet Van but his skating was amazing and he seemed like a really cool person. I hope everyone who knew Van and was close to him are doing ok and know that him and shane are chillen together wanting everyone to be happy and to just remember him by the memories always and forever. Stay in there guys. I’m sorry
R.I.P Van. You always will be remembered.
September 10th, 2008 at 9:29 am
hi , my name is seth , and i live in london , and van was a good friend of mine. i got the shocking news of his passing on Saturday last week second hand while im over here sd california . i couldnt believe it . i had just got an e mail from van 2 weeks previous with the graphics of his new pro board attached. i asked him if he would be in cali when i was over , and he said he was taking a trip to berlin and wouldnt be here unfortunately , i mailed him back and told him i would see him soon. van always called when he was in london to hang out and skate , i will always remember him as a kind friend and a great skater who passed way to early . i will miss you mate , rip , seth
September 10th, 2008 at 9:36 am
My thoughts and prayers go out to Van’s family and friends.
You will never be forgotten.
RIP
September 10th, 2008 at 9:44 am
hi , my name is seth and i live in london , and i was a good friend of van . i heard the sad news of his passing second hand on saturday last week while staying with friends in sd california . i was shocked and upset . i had just had received an e mail from van just 2 weeks previously with the new graphic of his pro board attached . i replied and told how pleased i was for him , and asked him if he would be in cali while i was here , he replied back and said he would be on a trip to berlin , i then told him cool , and see you soon. van would always call me when he was in london to skate or hang out . i will remember him as a kind friend , and a great skater who passed way to early. i will miss you mate , seth
September 10th, 2008 at 9:46 am
theres not really much to say. you are still one of my heroes.
RIP Van.
September 10th, 2008 at 9:47 am
So sorry to hear of Van’s untimely passing. The shock and sadness is felt everywhere throughout the skateboarding community. My heart goes out to Van’s family and friends. He will live on in our hearts forever as his mark he left on earth made quite an impression on skaters young and old.
RIP, Van.
September 10th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Van, you’re board is on my wall. I’ve never been so stoked for someone, and then so completely bummed out. For days. You will be missed by those that knew you, but also by all those that didn’t.
I will shred as hard as I can, while having as much fun as I can, the best I can, for you.
Shred In Peace.
September 10th, 2008 at 9:59 am
I could not believe the news when I heard that Van Wastell had died.
To this day I am still in shock, he just turned pro for Krooked and his pro board just came out..
You will forever be in our hearts Van and looked upon as one of the greatest skateboarders of our time.
RIDE THE FUCKING SKY VAN!!
R.I.P.!!
September 10th, 2008 at 10:02 am
very tragic , best to all his friends and family r.i.p
September 10th, 2008 at 10:05 am
RIP
September 10th, 2008 at 10:12 am
rest in peace van.
i always loved watching you skate, you were amazing dude.
September 10th, 2008 at 10:15 am
you will not be forgotten van. rest in peace
September 10th, 2008 at 10:38 am
i have the honor of meet him like 3 years ago in one trip he made to Monterrey México, this guy was super cool, always in a good mood, always with a smile on is face. my deepest condolences to the Wastell’s family.
Van land a pretty god bsflip down this famous spot in Monterrey called “El Marrano” at 3rd try, he is a legend around here for that.
September 10th, 2008 at 10:49 am
VAN WASTELL was one of my favorite people to skate with. I’m psyched we got to spend a lot of time traveling together over the past 5 years because before I met him, I already had mad respect for him and his natural style on a skateboard. Van was a great person and I’m sure anyone that ever met him knows that. I’m gonna miss you Van. Rest in Peace!
September 10th, 2008 at 10:52 am
R.I.P. you’ll be missed by many.
September 10th, 2008 at 10:52 am
We’ll miss u a lot man!
September 10th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Good friend, good guy so terrible you are gone. R.I.P.
September 10th, 2008 at 11:05 am
N-E-V-E-R F-O-R-G-E-T
September 10th, 2008 at 11:11 am
I remember reading an interview of Van a long time ago in transworld. I remember thinking that i would love to skate with that guy because he seems so chill and down to earth. His style on a skateboard was amazing, and he always seemed to just be having fun. His skating always inspired me and even though I didnt know him at all, it sucks knowing he wont be around anymore. My heart goes out to anyone that knew him and his family. RIP Van.
September 10th, 2008 at 11:15 am
for one of the of the few people still blazing trails in skateboarding long after all the paths were well trod, and who lost his life before it was his time to go, I give a hearty salute with every late shove it I do from now on. Innovators are few and far between in the new generation of shredders, but Van Wastell had it in spades. See you on the other side, vato.
September 10th, 2008 at 11:16 am
I first met Van when he was about fifteen or so. We had a lot of mutual friends which eventually turned into our little skate crew. The thing I remember most was just being astonished to meet such an intelligent and articulate kid. Over the years we all shared many a session. So many have been flashing in my mind as of late, and all i can do is cry and smile. Van, I fuckin miss you man. I have so much respect & admiration for you as skateboarder, and even more so as a friend. For the rest of my life, when i push down the street, I will be pushing for you homie! We will never forget you!
September 10th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Your skateboarding was truly an inspiration to us all. We will miss you a lot. RIP.
-Sk8 Skates and all the skaters in Winnipeg
September 10th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Rest in Peace Brotha
September 10th, 2008 at 11:24 am
When Van would walk into my office he’d have a new, stolen, Starbucks gift for me (coffee mugs, CD’s, DVD’s, even a french press). My collection is quite impressive, thank you again Van. Friday September 5th will forever be engraved in my memory as a day of sadness and confusion. After my cell phone was brought back to life with a charger, hearing new text and voicemail notifications beeping frantically I realized something was odd. The text messages and voicemails were all from Van’s other sponsors. It was 5:30 pm when I called Jim Thiebaud back. His voice was calm but I sensed there was something very wrong he was about to tell me. And then he told me. I experienced an empty void in my heart, sadness and sorrow, anger and confusion. Something I hadn’t experienced in 13 years, since the passing of my sister. I will always remember meeting the kid who, at age 15, did frontside slappy’s better than I, though I’d been doing them for nearly his entire life span. Van, where ever it is you are now, I hope there’s red curb and a tall can. I’m gonna fucking miss you…
September 10th, 2008 at 11:38 am
van. we all miss you already. you were so rad. the nicest guy ive met in a long time.
one of the best skateboarders.
we will never forget you.
September 10th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Man… our deepest sabdnes , we already miss you van, we know , right now, you are in a best place, skating with the greatest, cross, vitello,hunter… god bless.
rest in peace.
skate forever.
September 10th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Ever since I received the news my mind has been bombarded with all of the memories: trips the good times and the the bad time knowing that you are not going to call me up to disappear with you down to puerto vallarta to share waves and new good times. No more calls out of the blue and you showing up at the house kicking it with my kids you are and will always be part of my family. I have met many people over the years and not many have had the impact and became such an important part of my life as you man. It is hard to write this because it brings so many more memories, seeing all of the photos burnett put up of you on the thrasher site, being on all of those trips with you 100% realness at its best, it is not fucking right. You are needed by all of us that you touched brother it is going to be hard. I will miss you my friend and I thank you for touching my life you will never be forgotten.
September 10th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
So sad to hear this news. Van was such a good skateboarder, loved his footage. Thoughts to all his family and friends. RIP Van, shred in peace.
September 10th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
i had some beers with tony e. and van one time in hollywood. tony was taking pics and van was randomly jumping in some of the photos. he was cracking me up all night. a real fun evening that i won’t forget. god bless those you left behind, van
-dunna
September 10th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
i met van a few times at my house through some of our good mutual friends.totally cool dude.can’t believe he’s gone,still.hang in there calvin,robby,and all his other friends and family.we think of him everyday.keep skating harder for the ones who can’t,phil,shane,harold,mike,tim,van…
rest in peace to all our lost brothers in skateboarding.
September 10th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
My prayers and thoughts go out to Van Wastell and his family. Van, you were an amazing skater, and will always be. I’ll see you up there for a game of skate. R.I.P
September 10th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
I feel very lucky to say that i knew and took pleasure in every moment i spent with Van. He was and is a very gift and talented skateboarder and friend. i will miss the time spent just hanging out talking life with him, watching him skate, and most of all seeing him smile. You will be forever love and greatly missed.
Your Friend,
TMAC
September 10th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
I met Van a very long time ago thru his brother Kurt.He must have been 6 or 7 years old then and I had not seen him in years but I was hearing a lot about his skating thru mutual friends in the SFV. In 2003 I went to the Bootleg premiere in Hollywood and as I got out of my car I hear someone yell at me “Its been a long time” and I look over and its a grown up Van Wastell on crutches. I couldn’t believe that he remembered me after all those years that had passed. I can’t sit here and say he was a super close friend but when ever I would see him from that day forward he would always make time to talk with me and catch up. His style on a skateboard will always be admired and he will never be forgotten as the great person he was. I will miss our encounters my friend…
RIP Van Wastell
September 10th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
R.I.P. Van, you were a great skater and greater influence and inspiration to me
September 10th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Van was an awesome skater. And some of my friends who really like Krooked took it pretty hard when he died. He will be missed.
September 10th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
We got treated to a tiny glimpse of what this man was capable of! Im thankful for that! The ‘Blue hotel’ quicktime on DLXSF was amazing and could only ever have been created by one person. In an industry saturated with repetition and unoriginality Van Wastell shone effortlessly like a diamond! Truly sad news!
September 10th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
RIP
VAN
September 10th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
VAN WASTEL…you will be missed,…one of the best styles on the skateboard..and one of my favorites R.I.P bud
September 10th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
miss ya. soooooo bummed that you are gone.
September 10th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Rest in Peace Van,
One of the true kings of style. my condolences go out to all your family and friends.
September 10th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
I feel I have to say something… what does it mean when you’re instantly saddened and shocked when you hear of someone you never knew personally dies…
I know I always dug van because he had a quality that you don’t see in skating and he completed Krooked he was the soul. Krooked is soul. They encapsulate everything i want to see on a skateboard and i expect in skating. Van had a flow with his style, as a person it seemed like an unassuming punk spirit that i so f–king admire and that so many few people have around. About the time gnar gnar came out it seemed like he was really coming into his style and kept getting better — “his style”- it was his. I felt he was gonna get recognized and blow up real soon i was so sure of it or at least people would catch on and bite it. He is a year younger than me, it’s intense , it’s unfinished. I can’t help but tear up when i read these comments people who know him have left about him on here and other sites. I will miss him but My heart really goes out to his family and friends right now.
September 10th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
The first time I heard of VAN WASTELL was when Ray Barbee had just come back from a Vans trip years back. Ray kept talking about VAN’S natural style and how siked he was on it. He was a great skateboarder! Van will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to all his friends and family.
September 10th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
R.I.P. Van…I never met you but always thought you were an awesome skater…tall dude with a powerful smooth style…much respect!!!
September 10th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Its weird I dont know Van personally but to hear of another fellow skateboarder who has passed away makes me feel so sad, there is a common bond between us all that keeps us all family something outsiders will never know. Van you will be missed by your peers and your fans. RIP fellow RULER, hope you are enjoying skating the endless lines with all the others who have left us so soon.
September 10th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Roll forever Van.
He did the best switch bs flip ever down that double. Always looked like he was having fun skating. The skate world will miss your footage Van.
September 10th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
He was just like Jimi Hendrix and James Dean. They were all just too good. Van was a great guy and he had some pretty sick tattoos, and the best frontside flip on the planet. Were all gonna miss him and im gonna skate for him everyday
September 10th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
I felt very sad when I found out.
I met you once in London when you were helping Mark Gonzales out with an art show.
May you rest in peace.
September 10th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Rest in Peace
My condolences go out to all of your family and friends
Fucking sucks that you’ve gone
September 10th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
God I think I was in 8th grade when I saw my first Van Wastell clip. It was in Streets of SF video during the Junipero Serra school section. He 5-0 the top of the bank down this little angled ledge of the bank. From that day on Van became one of my favorite skaters. He skated like a pro
September 10th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
It’s too sad to hear this sort of stuff. Van was such a stylish and original skater…I really dug the way he skated. I never met him but from the pictures I’ve seen of him it seems he never stopped smiling. RIP on Van!
September 10th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Rest in peace, Van.
September 10th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
I watch Gnar Gnar on VHS all the time at home - it’s the only television I watch. One of my favorite videos of all time. It just really has the feeling of skating captured within. Van’s skating and style always gets me hyped to leave the house on my board and see what happens. Great people, great skateboarding are timeless. Thank you for what you shared with us here. Transcend the transcendent.
September 10th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
van you were a large inspiration to me it sucks you were taken from all of us but now your’re part of the stars and looking down on all of us. ill see you in a while. rest in peace.
September 10th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
R.I.P. Van was a great skater.
September 10th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
im pretty sure i was never even in the same state as van….but i grew up watching him skate and always thought he ripped…it was a bummed moment when i found out he passed on…but im prettty sure hes just up there being the same person hes always been…r.i.p van
September 10th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Van was someone who left their mark on skateboarding strictly with board control and no gimmicks. No one will ever be able to touch the wallie late shove-it or most of the tricks he’s blessed us with in his video parts for that matter. May God bless and keep his friends and family in the trying time. R IP, you will be missed.
September 10th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
R.I.P.
seemed like the coolest guy out there
gonna miss his skating
when i heard the news, thought it was a joke or something… i wish it was a joke now because Van Wastell was and always will be amazing, influential in and outside of skateboarding.
roll forever
roll for him
roll for all the people
September 10th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
dude…i never met u. but it is as if i lost a family memeber.
last week i sprained my ankle, and couldnt even walk, but then i heard that u passed. i couldnt believe it. i picked up my bored and just went out and skated the shit of it. i couldnt even feel the pain. it is much more painful to lose a fellow skater. ur the spirit of skating man. RIP. Van. Forever in our hearts.
September 10th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Van Wastell was an underated influential skater that made we me want to skate more and more everyday. He will be missed in and around the skateboard community. He influenced me to ride krooked, spitfire, independent, vans, and matix clothing!
RIP in heaven…!
September 10th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Newbury Park locals will miss thier pride and joy. You will always be along side the rest of us.
September 10th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
best style best skater lifes hard and then you die try to have as much fun along the way dont waist a minute
September 10th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Legends Never Die……
September 11th, 2008 at 12:25 am
RIDE IN PEACE, BROTHER.
September 11th, 2008 at 1:11 am
wow, dont know how to handle this.
i think that remembering that most recent time we chilled, when we bombed that wendy hill, that was so precious to me. that was the last time i really got to hang out with you man.
i will cherish all the fun times we had van.
p.s. i still have your snowboard boots from that mammoth trip. : (
September 11th, 2008 at 1:37 am
van was my hero i really looked up to him we ll have pros we connect with and look up to
van was that for me
the was just something about him i liked
i fisrt sw him on this vans tour tape i got
he was doing frontsildflip pivots on this bank
and i dont kn kno he just click with me
and the day i got to meet him made me appreciate him even more
i got to sit out side the signing with him nd talk for abput an hour
he was such funny and nice guy
i now skate foe me and my fallen hero
god bless you van wastell
remeber the spider man conversation(shell never expect that one}
hahaha good memory man
wstell forever
September 11th, 2008 at 1:48 am
rip skater
September 11th, 2008 at 6:22 am
S.I.P. bro you never realy died, just ur body is gone… u are still in are hearts
September 11th, 2008 at 6:45 am
RIP Van. You were a great skater. I didnt know you, i probably wouldnt have ever known you, but man, it feels like i’ve lost a good friend. I remember when i saw the first clip of you skating. I was amazed. Keep skating up there. Roll Forever.
RIP.
September 11th, 2008 at 7:19 am
keep cool and keep your head be smart and best wishes to the fam at Deluxe. Roll forever
September 11th, 2008 at 7:23 am
dude was a straight ripper
September 11th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Too many good people are leaving to early dont know what else to say. Shread in Peace.
September 11th, 2008 at 8:05 am
we all shall miss you Van..and we will all see you when we get there.
Shread On…!!!
September 11th, 2008 at 8:26 am
skateboarding lost another great talent, and this somehow has hit all of us skateboarders in different ways. Let’s try and learn something through this that can help us and others, and doing that honor Van’s memory and honor God,
My condolences to the Wastell’s family, God bless you all and give you the strenght to pass through this difficult moment,
Joel Mendoza
September 11th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Van Wastell was more than a skater, he was a friend to many, I did not know him personally, but his skatng was over the top, whatever hewanted he would do. I first heard of Van 2 years ago, and quickly learned that he wasn’t another run of the mill skateboarder, he was a man that could skate anything, the only kind of skater that matters. I give my sincerest condolences to the Wastell family, Vans, Krooked, and to his friends, that you can move past this in high hopes, Van would want to see his friends happy, not in sadness. RestInPeace Van Wastell you will be missed, but NEVER FORGOTTEN.
Cameron Gray
September 11th, 2008 at 8:42 am
Only the best, die young. rip it van.
September 11th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Skateboarding has such a close-knit community; whenever a death in it occurs, everybody knows it almost immediately, and everybody feels it. I’ll never forget waking up on July 5th as a little kid to the news that one of my favorite skateboarders, Keenan Milton, had passed. This news hits the same way.
Skateboarding misses you Van and always will. Legends are never forgotten. Everybody shred extra hard for Van Wastell and his family…rest in peace
September 11th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Thank you for being so good Van, condolence to his friends and family from Iceland
September 11th, 2008 at 10:34 am
R.I.P Van we will miss YOU !
-Denmark
September 11th, 2008 at 11:03 am
this is rough he was for sure a good representative of skateboarding.a friend of mine fall skateboarding on the same day we cant lose two skateboarders like this. keep van in your heart and the other skaters down in your prays.
a carp
September 11th, 2008 at 11:09 am
When I got the phone call Friday Afternoon my first reaction was strictly denial, then the acceptance led to the question of why Van?, and lastly into an overwhelming sadness. My heart and thoughts are with Eddie, Kurt, and the rest of the Great Wastell family. Van was a true inspiration as a skater and as a person to all. Van was one of my favorite people to see walk in threw the front doors of the shop (ValSurf) and it’s very hard to accept that I will never see him here or there again. Van was one of the best kids I have ever known and I am glad I was one of the fortunate people that had the priviledge of knowing him. Thank You Van, I Will See You Next Time My Friend!
September 11th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Much love to Van and all of our friends and family that can’t be here to roll with us today. Roll on Van.. We will all skate again soon.
September 11th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
You will be missed R.IP
September 11th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
smoothest, most original young skater in a long time, what style, what a shame!!!
September 11th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
HE WAS A GREAT HUMAN BEING WHO ALSO HAPPEND TO BE ONE OF THE SMOOTHEST SAKTERS AROUND. HE WAS ALWAYS MAKING PEOPLE LAUGH AND WOULD ALWAYS MAKE THE MOOD LIGHT. I ALWAYS LOOKED FORWARD TO THE CRAZY POST CARDS HE WOULD SEND US FROM WHEREVER HE MAY BE THAT WEEK. HE HAD THIS WONDERFUL LACK OF CONCERN FOR ALL THE THINGS THAT MOST PEOPLE THOUGHT TO BE SO IMPORTANT. HE WAS AN AWESOME FAMILY MAN, ALWAYS INTERESTED WITH THE LIVES OF THE PEOPLE AROUND HIM AND SO GIVING OF HIMSELF. HE WAS AN AWESOME UNCLE, WHEN HE WAS AROUND NOBODY ELSE MATTERED TO MY SON IT WAS ALWAYS UNCLE VAN! AND IT NEVER BOTHERED ME BECAUSE VAN WAS THE KIND OF KID YOU COULD LOOK UP TO. HELL I’M 31 AND I LOOKED UP TO HIM. THERES A MILLION GREAT MEMORIES THAT CAN NEVER BE TAKEN AWAY BOTH FOR ME AND THE WHOLE FAMILY.
I LOVE YOU VAN AND YOU WILL BE MISSED.
MY BROTHER IN LAW
MY FRIEND
REST IN PEACE AND I WILL SEE YOU IN HEAVEN
TONY
September 11th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Van Wastell will always be in our hearts. May he rest in peace. Keep skatin up there Van.
September 11th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Man this sucks so bad. Van was a great dude, I love you bro, you were my favorite skater. Keep rippin in the afterlife.
September 12th, 2008 at 12:18 am
He was a very good cousin of mine. Love you forever Van!
Thank you for the skate board.
Rest in peace.
September 12th, 2008 at 2:44 am
VAN WASTELL came to washington dc and blessed pulaski park with his incredible style and he rocked those painter paints with the hammer loop on the side. so radical. his style is so raw and intriguing. he’s not gone, just in another time and place. were all going to the same place, we just arrive on different days. see you when the spirit horse comes—–
September 12th, 2008 at 7:42 am
no words, just respect….RIP Van Wastell
September 12th, 2008 at 9:07 am
So sorry.
September 12th, 2008 at 9:45 am
r.i.p van, your fakie flip switch crook was the best in the biz. great inspiration to all.
September 12th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Put on some Dickies,
some Era’s and do a Late- Shove It for Van!!!
R.I.P. Brother
September 12th, 2008 at 10:57 am
to the family, you are in my prayers. Espeacially eddie, ill see ya around buddy, great skatin with ya the other night, ive been where you all are right nw and i feel you. Ive been thinking about it non stop since i heard. i hope you find the strength to ge through these hard times. i really feel your pain, im sorry.
September 12th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
r.i.p van you are a talented creative skateboarder and i respect you for that . R.I.P VAN WASTELL
September 12th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
RIP skate wit Shane Cross on the other side for me RIP to both
September 12th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
R.I.P Van……xo
September 12th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Van was one of my favourite skaters, because if his original style and how he skates so fast. Its just shocking how someone can die at such a young age. I never got to meet you van, but if i did it most probably would have made my day.
Everyones gonna miss you man, a lot.
Rest In Peace Van Wastell.
September 12th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
may you live on in all our hearts
rip
van
September 13th, 2008 at 5:08 am
thanks for the true shredding, Ventura County and the world lost a extremely talented individual and gained a legend. You aren’t gone, nor are you forgotten….
September 13th, 2008 at 11:59 am
R.I.P van u had one of the best styles ever
September 13th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
really sad shit, i’m sure he’s ripping it in the clouds. RIP
September 13th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
R.I.P! <3
September 13th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
rip broski your pictures give me goosebumps
September 13th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Thank you for being in so many skaters lives and allowing them to look up to you and being an influence. I never knew you, have never seen any of your videos, and this is the first of heard about you. im sorry i had to hear this. But i still pay my great respects. You will be missed but we will all see soon in that wonderful skate park we all end up in. Until then, shred.
Rest in Peace.
~QLS~
September 13th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
what a warm, real and fun guy. incredible skater, amazing human, heart of gold. he would play the lamest songs on his keyboard and sing in silly voices till we couldn’t laugh anymore. at 9am. what a dork!
my heart goes out to the wastell family; he talked about you guys so often.
forever in our hearts. the brightest lights burn the fastest.
September 13th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
omg van’s style is so effen chill…………..well miss you van ………major condolences to vans family and friends.
R.I.P van wastell we know your still shreddin
September 13th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
My god… why do all the good ones go so early?
V.W… rest in peace man.
You’re in a better place with a higher being
September 14th, 2008 at 1:52 am
RIP. So sad.
September 14th, 2008 at 5:26 am
You will always be my favorite skateboarder. R.I.P
September 14th, 2008 at 8:40 am
Van you were one of the first skaters i looked up to. i would always watch videos of you on you tube, read up on you in mags, and honestly just wanted to be like you. i never met you. i most likley wouldnt have either. but i felt a sort of comrodary with you. this may sound silly coming from some little punk in michigan, but i feel many can relate. every time i step on my board now i remember Van and i always will. Truly a great loss to the skateboarding community, Vans family and friends. my condolences. R.I.P. Van Wastell a true legend.
September 14th, 2008 at 8:54 am
its always a shame when a fellow skateboarder passes.you’ll be missed by those that knew you and those you influenced. rip
September 14th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
oh my god i just saw one of his friends a couple months ago and linkwood park in houston and told him how i got my board from darrell stanton because he asked….i was not braging…when he told me he knew van wastell…..this is very sad..but keep your heads up vans family everything happens for a reason even if it doesnt make any sense
September 14th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
your shredding with the angels now
you will be missed
September 15th, 2008 at 7:36 am
my heart goes out to the Wastell family and close friends at this time, peace x
September 15th, 2008 at 11:10 am
everyone will miss you. nobody will forget you. RIP in peace van, shred the golden ledges in heaven.
September 15th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Van, i will miss you brother.
September 15th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
another black day for skateboarding.
this sucks so hard…
i once skated with Van and the krooked team a long time ago, and now i really do realize what a great person he was.
His skating said everything.
I’m gonna miss you too, eventhough you didn’t remember me from that one time.
Live and shred on in peace Van, i know you will.
September 15th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
dammmn. Thats such bad news. Van Wastell is a legend and always will be. Catch you later old chap
September 15th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
we lost one good skater but heaven gained another
September 15th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
damn dude its harsh loosing another skater, he lived his life doing what he loved.. skating. im sure he died a happy man.
R.I.P
September 15th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
R.I.N VAN u were an amazing skateboarder and u will not be forgoten and your crazy ass tricks u slayed it up peace out man
September 16th, 2008 at 2:43 am
With skateboarding getting bigger everyday, the true spirit of skating is only getting smaller. Embraced by retarded parents and energy drinks and horribly scripted television shows, the sheep are outnumbering the skate rats. Emulation rather than originality. Skateboarding is meant to be a hive of creativity, and its the skaters who ought to keep it alive. Ive never known Van as a person, but i know why he was so important to skateboarding. Van was a skater’s skater, a skate rat if you will, and he will be missed for that. Thanks, mate!
September 16th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Oh man, another one gone. I just hope that hi family is doing well through this tough time, haha when I first heard of his passing I youtubed him and saw the part where he kicks his board and it hit that lady.
R.I.P. son.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:32 am
Van was really nice to me from the second I met him, and he had no reason to be, he just was. I’m glad I got a chance to meet, watch skate and be friends with Van.
September 17th, 2008 at 2:14 am
rip dude
September 17th, 2008 at 2:40 am
lets not mourn the death of the body but rejoice in the release of the soul.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:11 am
i’m a great fan of your masterpieces. i’m so sad that you’re gone. : (
September 17th, 2008 at 5:11 am
I don’t know who van is either, but he is another person. God wants us to love even strangers unconditionally, and he was a skateboarder.
Rest in peace in heaven. Hope there is a skate park there.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Oh man, where to start. Dude has the best name ever. The ability to shred anything. just all around fucking sick. He can play the fucking piano! but seriously you will be extremely missed Van. RIP in Peace and Shred For Forever
September 17th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Damn man this is so crazy…. : ( I had friend that died the same ways. its that your gone wastell. youll be missed like crazy.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
They say heaven is a halfpipe…Van will never be forgotten…Skate In Peace….We’ll miss u Van.
September 17th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Eye-opener. a talent like that can be gone at the drop of a hat. I never actually saw any of his footage unitl after i heard that he had passed and i wish i had caught on to this guy earlier. i’m gonna have 2 find some time to go dedi-skate a session to van. in God’s hands now, shreddin in the skies
September 18th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Rest in Peace Dude!….All my memory is for you.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
the skateboarding community as a whole will miss you very much. i remember watching you skate in 411 videos thinking, who is this guy, ive never heard of him and he rips. you came on the scene, killed it and left us all too soon. just think, heaven is an endless skate session with no cops and no skate stoppers. rest easy
September 21st, 2008 at 10:43 am
Hope there are plenty of sick spots up there, man. You were a hero of mine and always will be.
Shred in peace.
</3
September 21st, 2008 at 11:34 am
Shred in peace.
btw. How did he die? Car accident or what?
September 22nd, 2008 at 7:43 am
miss this guy so much.
September 25th, 2008 at 11:57 am
R.I.P. Van Wastell. I just saw some of your recent footage and you definitely had it going on. You’ll be missed in this world.
September 25th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
I second what Bryce Mandel says, I’m going to miss you Van R.I.P.
September 25th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
God bless you, brave hero.
…with abilities matched equally by your love of skating, you will be missed by all.
You were taken too soon.
My deepest condolences to Van’s family as well as all those extended family members at Deluxe.
September 28th, 2008 at 1:48 am
what the fuck man?????
van we’ll all miss you you where truly an inigma and just man johnny dies van dies shane dies.
RIP Van
September 28th, 2008 at 10:58 am
He Will Truly Be Missed. We I Found Out I Thought Of killing myself. but then i thought i would just rip in his name. so thats what i did i riped for 2 days straight.
I always Lurked for new footage on van every friday when i got of work.
R.I.P. Van Wastell
September 29th, 2008 at 3:33 am
Not knowing him personally, still, very touched by this loss. My thoughts go to his family and his friends. Sincere condoleances. JD
September 29th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
You look a legend my freind……RIP
September 29th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
I am Van’s step-father and I’ve known Van for over 21 years. We all miss him dearly & Love him every day, every hour & every minute here in Newbury Park, Salt Lake City, Santa Clarita, Simi Valley & Arvada. He was the ideal son any father could wish for. He was always there to help his Mother with Great Enthusiam.
Please everyone, Remember Van as the best Skateboard in the World, Wonderful SON and Loyal to his brothers and sisters. I only hope our grandchildren will be half the person Van is & was& always will be.
Take my son and show God how skateboarding is really done.
God broke the mold after he was born
October 1st, 2008 at 9:20 am
RIP.We lost you but not forgotten you,pain of me,I hope you can smile in the heaven,keep your attitude,and keep on skateboarding.
October 4th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Thanks for the skateboarding Van! Condolences to your friends and family. It’s a sad day for the skateboard community but a good day for heaven cos they get another great skater to watch up there!
November 5th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
when i heard van past away i was in shock. we have lost another great skateboarder and a great person. i wish i could have experienced how great of a person he was. but for some reason it feels as almost i’ve met him already but that can never happen. i wish i could have seen him shred in person.
you will be missed deeply van.
RIP
November 7th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
you will be remembered for ever van
November 8th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
A LEGEND FOREVER R.I.P VAN WASTELL 1984-2008
November 9th, 2008 at 6:54 am
One day, i got in from hitting this line with my friends, and we went onto “The Website”, (http://how2skate.com/) and found that a video had been put up under the name of “RIP Van Westall” and we went quiet.
We checked it out and read the caption, which stated, “You was an awesome skater and you will always be in our memories, RIP.”
We were all like, What the fuck?! We had only just watched a recent video of him and saw him in ‘Transworld Skateboarding Magazine’ 1 or 2 days before.
We couldn’t believe it.
I got a phone call from my friend the next day, who had also heard the sad news.
I still can’t believe it to this day,
And i hope there is a place up there for us..
Next to him
“He was one of the biggest influences of Me (Tom) and Matt (Me)
and we can’t ever forget this guy… It would be a sin”
- Tom Jones, Wales.
I Love You Man,
Always
Matthew Thomas Shillam (Mini Matt)
RIP
X
November 10th, 2008 at 9:06 am
your to old to live, and to young to die, bye bye… wanna skate tomorr… oh yeah… nvm your busy.
November 13th, 2008 at 11:49 am
In my 30 years of riding a skateboard this dude had some really sick footage! even more he rode for my favorite skate company krooked and my great influnece mark gonzales. r.i.p. van wastell
November 13th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Our prayers go out to Van’s family and friends. Keep shredding in Heaven! RIP…
November 14th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
RIP van… condolences to his family and friends… legends never die
November 15th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
hey van skate on bro yu were a big influence on my skate career thanks for the signature,,,,say hey to my moms in heaven 4 me man….how the skate scene up there?hehe see yu man pce out..
sk8terboyone@yahoo.com
RIDE PHASE 3 BOARD SHOP
212?407
November 17th, 2008 at 11:56 am
rest in peace dude youre one of the best skater
November 18th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Dear Jeff and Kurt,
I am soooo sorry to here about Van. Unfortunately I too had a huge loss in March when I lost my best friend of 24 years, Colin Wagshal. It seems like it’s never gonna get better guys but the only thing that heals this kinda stuff is time, period.
Rest in Peace Van
The park on the other side is gonna be crowded in the future! A LOT of people can’t wait to skate with you again!!!
November 20th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
REST IN PEACE VAN..YOU WILL BE MISSED..
December 1st, 2008 at 9:40 am
black magic up the stairs
December 5th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
I WAS GOING THROU MY PHONE THE UTTER DAY AND I SAW YOUR NUMBER AND IT MADE ME THINK OF SOME FUNNY TIMES! I MISS U VAN ! U KNOW HOW WE DO!
December 8th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
i never met van, but i know from his video parts that he was one of the most stylish and influencial skateboarders who ever lived. i just want to show my respect to the Vans family and friends, hopefully he has gone to a better place and can hang out with shane cross. you will never be forgoten Van R.I.P. BURN ALL YOUR ZOO MAGS AND SEND THEM HATE MAIL BECAUSE THEY DIS-RESPECTED VAN, THEY WILL PAY THOSE BASTARDS
December 9th, 2008 at 7:12 am
Ride in Paradise van!!!
December 17th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
dude it sucks we lost you know i have to wait for forever to meet you
r.i.p van
December 22nd, 2008 at 12:08 am
Hey Everyone van was a wonderful person and careing as well and the best times were when van family and I would go to death valley that was good times!! I just wanted to say RIP
December 28th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Rest in peace man…….
January 8th, 2009 at 6:55 am
skate in heaven…keep rolling
January 13th, 2009 at 8:46 am
Skating won’t be the same again
Only the good die young
January 16th, 2009 at 12:27 am
I meet Van 3 or 4 time in SF. He was always chill and good person to be around. He injoyed riding my wood scooter, with a smile. I did not know him that well but I miss him. I never forget the good people I meet.
By Van love casey
January 18th, 2009 at 11:53 am
REST IN PIECE MY FRIEND KEEP STRONG
January 23rd, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Van, you were the Man, I am your fan
January 23rd, 2009 at 11:40 pm
from now and on im going to tell my sponsers to always hook me up wit van wastell boards and shoes in memory of him…..s.i.p
February 17th, 2009 at 11:54 am
no worries… try to keep up what you did for me and the rest of the masses that remember you for you brotha… all day everyday… R.i.P Influential older brother that i never knew
February 17th, 2009 at 11:59 am
rip
March 12th, 2009 at 12:30 am
Best style.
March 13th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
When fell in love with skating at 12 i learned to ollie and moved onto the kickflip.i practiced for an hour every night for 5 months and still couldnt land it. I felt like giving up skateboarding. Then i saw a van wastelle video. It inspired me to keep skating. His skill his style and his personality was what got me to go out into the freezing cold and skate. i am never happier than when skating. Like he was. R.I.P van wastelle
March 26th, 2009 at 9:43 am
see you when i get there
April 6th, 2009 at 8:33 am
damn….
=[
April 6th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Crap! we lost van wastell he was a good skater.He also made good jokes.I like to wake up in the morning and skate and remember how he skated on videos.i think he should have led the vans.
RIP
Kendale meadows
April 7th, 2009 at 10:38 am
r.i.p van u will be missed homie!!!!shred in haven 4 me
April 10th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
I remember seeing his part in Krooked Kronichles. It was instantly amazing. He became one of my favorite skaters to watch. He had amazing style on his board and off. I was phsyched on his pro board being released and was looking forward to seeing more footy of this amazing skater. But unfortunately the accident happened…He will always be an inspiration to my skateboarding.
April 14th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
poop
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:28 am
happy birthday vannie! you are so, SO missed, but thought about always.
April 24th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
I never met van in person but i wish i could he seemed like a chill relaxed kinda guy. and his skateing truly amazing his style is smooth and has awsome tech skills it just kinda brings a tear to you when you think about it it sucks that he had to leave so fast RIP SKATE FOREVER VAN.
April 24th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
It sucks when i heard he had past i went silent for a while we lost one of skateings best RIP.
May 16th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
i loved his part in krooked video man it makes me want to skate so much everytime i watch it. VERY inspiring
RIPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 29th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
straight up style! true inspiration!
May 29th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
It’s been a while since you died and this website hasn’t had many updates to it recently, but that doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten about you. You are the true ripstar. The day before you died, I had just watched your behind the griptape, and I had also just bought a Krooked Zig Zagger to try to imitate you, although I wouldn’t be anywhere close to your talent. You are the reason I continue to skate the way I do, how you didn’t care what your style looked, and it looked good because of that (my style still is no where near as good as yours). We all miss you. Love you Van Wastell. RIP
June 4th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
VAN, YOU ARE THE BEST SKATEBOARDER EVER!!!!!
I MEAN THAT TOO!
June 4th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
ONE of the most innovative skateboarders ever. Creativity at it’s finest. Thank you for being a major influence on my skating. CHEERS.
June 15th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
to my biggest hero and my role model i wish his family the best,and his friends thanlks for all the good times
R.I.P
Gone but not forgotten
June 15th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
thanks for the good times brah i will miss you
July 20th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
Van-
You taught me how to ride, but I could never match your butterness. I hope and pray you can read this message from heaven, cuz I along with countless others miss you dearly. I will never forget our sushi date, and the horrible taste of that warm Saki. But that drink was the complete opposite of the way I felt about you and your priceless and God-gifted personality. I love you forever and will never forget you.
Eddie V. also misses you dearly, as I saw him for the first time since the tragedy at Val Surf, when I came back to visit from Montana. I again saw you on the back cover of a mag, I believe it was ‘Thrasher’. You were R.I.P.’d on someone’s griptape.
Anyways Van, I’ll never forget our Borchard days and the ’sidewalk’ ride back to your pad in N.P.
And by the way, to Eddie and Kurt, my most sincere condolences. Kurt, we met at Borchard Skatepark, probably about 5 or so years ago. You probably know my sister, Robynn, and brother, Mark T.
I’ll love you forever.
Love,
Holly T.
July 26th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Rest In Power
July 26th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
dude you were gnar im sad theres not gonna be a new wastell video coming out
shred in peice man
August 4th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
More than ever I’ve been watching Van footage, and looking through old mags for sick photos and just generally getting stoked on everything great that he did. His board is the last thing I see when I leave the house before I skate.
Even though it’s been a while I wanted to post up here, to say that Van really was a fucking legend in the making. Gone way too early, I just felt like saying something today.
I’ll always have him in my top dudes that get the fire lit.
August 8th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Man,i never really knew who u were..but after seeing some tribute vids towards u and how..how people seemed to really love u,and how so many kids all around the world seemed to have looked up to you,it occured to me that you must’ve been a greater skateboarder than some may ever be.:) You made a huge difference in many people all over the globe! And that’s an accomplishment.:] You did more than just that,u also inspired many young kids in their skateboarding,that’s really awesome:). Well..i never really knew who u were but i just wanted to pay my respects one as a guy whom has respect for everyone:) and two..for a fellow skateboarder.:] We lost another great skateboarder out there,one of us.:/ But even though ur gone,ur not gone completely,ur still here,in our hearts:) You’ll never be forgotten,may u Rest In Peace bro:) Shred In Peace,i’m out.:]
Myspace URL if wanted.:]
http://www.myspace.com/ididntchoose2bmexican
add if you’d like.:]
R.I.P Van Wastell 1984-2008
You will be missed,never forgotten,never!
August 25th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
drink some brew
thanks for leaving your vibes
September 11th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
I think about you often, Van. I see that sweet face and irrepressible spirit. I remember you as a little boy, I remember all the Christmas Days I saw you and Christmas dinner you came to at our house . I was so happy to see you there. As I pray at night, I look at your photo and I’ll never, ever forget you, nephew. I can’t wait to see you again.
Love you,
Aunt Irma
September 20th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
R.I.P. dude.
September 24th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
i never hand the chance to meet van but i aleays heard positve things about he had a great style in his skateing abilatys.when i was looking in transworld and saw r.i.p. van i was like wow the guy who had the begining part to dlxtv dvd has passed and if you look at most of all the videos that have come out you will see that van is in em hes in mind field mikey taylor and i think proof but you can see what a good person he truelly was keep on showing the love for van never forgotten
September 25th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
omg how did he die??? like he just got pro.i can think of hundreds of stupid ppl to kill why did he have to die?
September 28th, 2009 at 2:45 am
a year on he is still missed as one of the great styles in skateboarding.
R.I.P
September 29th, 2009 at 12:18 am
100% ripper
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:25 pm
all hail van wastell
November 21st, 2009 at 12:26 am
skate cuz van cant
and dont give a fuck about anything
November 30th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
FIRST off I would like to thank Jim, Mickey, Darin, Robin(Vans) and everyone here at DLX for helping me set up the 1 year skate jam for Van at the Berrics back in September 2009.
Its been a little over a year now and my life without Van will never be the same. This has been a lonely deal for me to face everyday. Everyone tells me how things get easier as time goes. For me it got just a little easier and that’s about it. Almost not even worth saying a little easier…I’m still trying to figure out how to move forward without Van. What are you supposed to do when someone is in your every weekly routine and 1 day, you don’t have that person anymore ever again.. Its pretty fuckin’ lonely.
I just want people to know that Van was so loving and caring. He would give you the shirt off his back, or the last Tee shirt in his box…It didn’t matter if he had one deck left in his package. or a pair of pants. He was so generous and you just get that if you were that close to him….
Van’s death has left my parents without their son, our sisters without a brother, the rest of my brothers without a brother, and sadly our nieces and nephews without their uncle.
I still think about Van everyday and i look at all of the pictures of me and him through the years. I take my guitar and play music for him at the Conejo Mountain Cemetery. Thats all I have left.
[ EDDIE ]
December 1st, 2009 at 10:57 pm
FIRST off I would like to thank Jim, Mickey, Darin, Robin(Vans) and everyone here at DLX for helping me set up the 1 year skate jam for Van at the Berrics back in September 2009.
Its been a little over a year now and my life without Van will never be the same. This has been a lonely deal for me to face everyday. Everyone tells me how things get easier as time goes. For me it got just a little easier and that’s about it. Almost not even worth saying a little easier…I’m still trying to figure out how to move forward without Van. What are you supposed to do when someone is in your every weekly routine and 1 day, you don’t have that person anymore ever again.. Its pretty fuckin’ lonely.
I just want people to know that Van was so loving and caring. He would give you the shirt off his back, or the last Tee shirt in his box…It didn’t matter if he had one deck left in his package. or a pair of pants. He was so generous and you just get that if you were that close to him….
Van’s death has left my parents without their son, our sisters without a brother, the rest of my brothers without a brother, and sadly our nieces and nephews without their uncle.
I still think about Van everyday and i look at all of the pictures of me and him through the years. I take my guitar and play music for him at the Conejo Mountain Cemetery. Thats all I have left.
December 7th, 2009 at 1:19 am
i still watch your part in krooked kronicles all the time
December 8th, 2009 at 11:39 am
FIRST off I would like to thank Jim, Mickey, Darin, Robin(Vans) and everyone here at DLX for helping me set up the 1 year skate jam for Van at the Berrics back in September 2009.
Its been a little over a year now and my life without Van will never be the same. This has been a lonely deal for me to face everyday. Everyone tells me how things get easier as time goes. For me it got just a little easier and that’s about it. Almost not even worth saying a little easier…I’m still trying to figure out how to move forward without Van. What are you supposed to do when someone is in your every weekly routine and 1 day, you don’t have that person anymore ever again.. Its pretty fuckin’ lonely.
I just want people to know that Van was so loving and caring. He would give you the shirt off his back, or the last Tee shirt in his box…It didn’t matter if he had one deck left in his package. or a pair of pants. He was so generous and you just get that if you were that close to him….
Van’s death has left my parents without their son, our sisters without a brother, the rest of my brothers without a brother, and sadly our nieces and nephews without their uncle.
I still think about Van everyday and i look at all of the pictures of me and him through the years. I take my guitar and play music for him at the Conejo Mountain Cemetery. Thats all I have left.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:41 pm
you were gone too soon
nothing but love
R.I.P.
January 13th, 2010 at 10:14 am
still can’t believe it to this day. one of the best ever. van will always be an inspiration to anybody, anywhere
February 4th, 2010 at 7:36 am
Ever since I first started watching Van’s part on Krooked Kronicles, he was almost INSTANTLY my favorite skater for many, many various reasons. I could go on about him all day. I even learned late fs shove-its after watching him. Van was THE shit. Period.
February 4th, 2010 at 7:38 am
Ever since I first witnessed Van’s part on Krooked Kronichles, he was almost INSTANTLY my favorite skateboarder for many, many various reasons. I could go on about him all day. I even learned late fs shove-its after watching him do them. Van Wastell was THE shit. Period!
February 8th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
Van,youare an amazing man. You were an amazing artist and skateboarder.Dude, rest in peice. (shred in peice).
February 8th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Dude, I don’t even know you. But I am a skateboarder too, so if we ever find each other, shredding down a street and bump into each other and start talking to each other. I would feel a bond between you and me. -sincerly, Alex r.i.p. (shred in peice
February 10th, 2010 at 9:28 am
Respect
March 25th, 2010 at 1:51 am
fuck yeah van!
March 31st, 2010 at 11:02 am
care goes to his family i know there missing him
April 13th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
great skateboarder, one those people to look up to. just by seeing the way he smiled, makes me wanna skate, whatever the spot, just having fun with a smile from a ear to another ear!! Rest in peace man
June 19th, 2010 at 8:09 am
I am one hundred percent positive that no one has inspired me as much as Van Wastell, and that probably no one else ever will. He might even be the reason that I still skate.
Also, I am a person who normally would not want to be anyone other than myself, but Van Wastell is one person that I always would have longed to have traded lives with. I wanted to be him.
If there is a god, Van Wastell was without a doubt his gift to skateboarding.
July 6th, 2010 at 10:10 am
the best