Well-known surfer and La Jolla native Ted “Shred” Smith died while surfing at Windansea beach on New Year’s Eve. Smith collapsed in the water and was hauled to shore by friends, where lifeguard and fire-rescue personnel administered CPR. The cause of death is not known at this time. He was 52. Smith, an avid short boarder and mainstay in the surfing community, was honored that night with a bonfire memorial, right. The beach where he died has been scattered with tributes to the beloved surfer, including flowers, candles, photos and messages like “RIP Ted Smith” spraypainted onto the sides of the pump station. Virtual memorials were set up, as well. Websites for organizations like the Windansea Surf Club, Surfline and Boardistan posted obituaries for Smith. On www.hungrywalrus.com, John Maher wrote,?”Ted surfed really good, always rode a shortboard, and looked for the barrel. One Christmas morning years ago, I watched Ted surf perfect, sunny, glassy WindanSea better than anyone else in the lineup. He got barreled ten times before walking up the beach with a huge smile. That’s one of the many awesome memories I’ll always have of him.”