Categories: Cocoa

NKF Surf Festival Organizer Rich Salick Dead at 62

ORLANDO, Florida — National Kidney Foundation Surf Festival organizer and former professional surfer Richard Salick died this morning. The NKF Surf Festival has become an annual staple in the lineup of events that take place on Cocoa Beach, Florida. Salick was also involved in NKF activities beyond just the annual surf festival, however. In fact, the NKF just recently held a Kindey Walk in Cocoa Beach in March.

The National Kidney Foundation of Florida based out of Orlando, Florida released the following statement regarding Salick’s death:

“Earlier this morning, July 2, we all lost a dear friend. Richard K. Salick, 62 passed away after emergency surgery at Orlando Regional Medical Center. Devoted father and friend to all who knew him – he will be missed by everyone. Rich’s life work with the National Kidney Foundation will never be forgotten and in keeping with what Rich would want, we will continue all the programs that he poured his heart into, especially the NKF Pro/Am Surf Festival. Our most sincere condolences go out to his family during this terrible time of loss. As soon as there is information on services to celebrate Rich’s life we will pass it on to all.”