Jonathan Skow, the fashion designer behind Mr Turk, passed away in Los Angeles on Friday at the age of 55, after a swimming accident in Hawaii left him paralyzed from the neck down. A spokesperson on behalf of Trina Turk released the following statement:

Jonathan D. Skow

December 22, 1962 — October 12, 2018

Jonathan Skow’s big, beautiful life ended on Friday, October 12, 2018 in Los Angeles with his family by his side. He was doing what he loved, bodysurfing in the ocean, when he suffered a devastating spinal cord injury on Labor Day in Hawaii. He dealt boldly and bravely with the severity of his injury. The accident was preceded by “an extraordinary life,” in his own words. He was 55.

The quintessential bon vivant, his generosity, infectious zest for life, boisterous laugh, wit and bold glasses were signature trademarks. The world loved his exuberance and positive outlook, as he lit up spirits and shared his joy abundantly. His friends galore adored him.

Appreciation:Carson Kressley remembers Jonathan Skow: Mr Turk brand is ‘a piece of California culture’

Update:Fans and friends of Jonathan Skow, aka Mr Turk, react to his death: A ‘true gentleman’

More:Jonathan Skow, the inspiration behind Mr Turk clothing, dies in Los Angeles at age 55

Brands built by the couple:Trina Turk, Mr Turk stores to open on El Paseo

Jonathan was born to Harold and Barbara Skow in Seattle, WA, and his childhood was spent in Horizon View and on Lake Sammamish. At the University of Washington, he met his wife of 33 years and kindred spirit, Trina Turk, in a textile science class.

Jonathan and Trina migrated to Los Angeles in 1985 to pursue their stylish dreams. He was a fashion stylist for 12 years, then transitioned to freelance fashion and advertising photography. In 2008 he began to devote all of his time to their apparel company, Trina Turk. The dapper style of the Mr Turk menswear collection was created by Jonathan.

A true design visionary, in addition to photography and clothing design, Jonathan was also an open water swimmer, restorer of historic homes, architecture aficionado, amateur landscape designer, philanthropist, beekeeper, chef, and life-of-the-party, entertaining his entourages in Los Feliz and Palm Springs. His creativity and spirit were wild, free and spontaneous.

Jonathan has always loved the ocean and was an enthusiastic member of the West Hollywood Aquatics (WH2O) Masters swimming club.

Described by many as a powerful force of nature, his final exit was accompanied by an epic thunder and lightning storm over Los Angeles.

He is survived by his wife Trina, mother Barbara, brother Nathan (Luanne). He is preceded in death by his father Harold.

Jonathan’s simple advice: Have fun and enjoy your life. A Celebration of Life will take place at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to LA Conservancy laconservancy.org; Palm Springs Modern Committee psmodcom.org; Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center psmuseum.org; LACMA Decorative Arts and Design Acquisition Committee (DA2) lacma.org/DA2; the Trident Swim Foundation tridentswimfoundation.org; or ActBlue candidates secure.actblue.com.

Top 15 who is trina turk edit by Top Q&A

List of 10 who makes insignia washers and dryers

Top 10+ who are the senators from california

Top 8 celebrities who are anorexic