R.I.P Ben Hinkley | Lawn darting X-Games star + one of the first black professional snowboarder

Ben Hinkley, best know for lawn darts (aka suicide superman front flips) and double lawn darts in the early years of the X-Games has passed away at the age of 43. He was one of the first professional African American snowboarder and years ahead of his time.

Social media is filling up with grievances. Ex-teammate Jim Rippey said:

“It deeply saddens me to post this, buy my dear friend Ben Hinckley has passed away.
Ben will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was an amazingly kind person who happened to be a great snowboarder as well. His passing leaves everyone who knew and loved him with an emptiness that can’t be rationalized or explained.
Ben, I will mis you my friend, we love you!!!
Please pray for Ben’s family and friends.”

Here is some info from his family: We will be having a celebration of life honoring the passing of Ben Hinkley this Saturday
From 5:00 – 9:00 at DI studios (1530 E Wardlow Rd, Long Beach, CA 90807