Andrew Blauschild Obituary, Death – Montauk, the picturesque hamlet on Long Island, New York, is mourning the loss of one of its most talented and beloved surf photographers, Andrew Blauschild. The creative community, both locally and beyond, was shaken by the news of his passing, a true loss for those who admired his work and knew him personally. Born in the Bronx in 1971, Andrew was a sixth-generation New Yorker who carried his love for the ocean and the city’s vibrant culture throughout his life.
His journey as a surfer, photographer, and all-around creative was marked by a unique blend of artistry and passion. His work was not just about capturing waves but encapsulating the essence of the surf culture that permeated Montauk and the East Coast. Andrew’s dedication to his craft earned him recognition in the surf community, most notably with a recent career-spanning profile in *The Surfer’s Journal*.
His contributions to surf culture extended beyond photography; in the early 2000s, he co-founded Kookbox alongside longtime friend and fellow surf enthusiast Joel Tudor. Kookbox quickly became known for its emphasis on craftsmanship in board building, collaborating with some of the best shapers and glassers in the industry, including Bill Shrosbee, Stu Kenson, and Hoy Runnels.
“Kookbox is a collaboration brand of surfers, great craftsmen, and artist/photographers,” Andrew shared with *Whalebone* in a past interview. “We produce classically-made surfboards with some of the best shapers and glassers in the industry. It’s a rewarding labor of love to build custom surfboards for surfers all over the world.”
Andrew’s work was not just about capturing surf moments but also about building relationships within the community. Montauk resident and Andrew’s frequent subject, Pat Schmidt, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, reflecting on the unique bond they shared. “The connection I got to form with Andrew since moving to the East End is unexplainable,” Pat wrote. “We always felt in sync. I felt like if he was on the beach, I could surf a certain way that worked well with the way he wanted to capture images of surfing. I could see where he was moving on the rocks, know right away the shot he was trying to get and adjust my position accordingly. I’ve never had that before. I’ve never even wanted that before, but with Andrew, it was different.”
Pat continued, “I’m such a fan of his work that I wanted to do whatever I could to be a part of it. We had five days in a row earlier this summer that we passed each other on Napeague Meadow in the same exact spot, both with middle fingers held high followed by a phone call cracking up about it that would end up lasting hours. I will miss those times but am so grateful to have experienced them. Love you, Andrew, thanks for taking me under your wing.”
Andrew Blauschild’s untimely passing is reported to have been due to a cardiac event, though further details have not been made available. His loss leaves a profound void in the lives of those who knew him and in the creative community that admired his work. As Montauk reflects on Andrew’s legacy, it is clear that his impact on surf culture and photography will be remembered for generations to come. His ability to capture the beauty of the waves and the spirit of those who rode them was unparalleled, and his work will continue to inspire both surfers and photographers alike.