Kolby Aipa, 20, the grandson of iconic surfboard shaper Ben Aipa, died after being towed on an e-bike by Brandon Scott Soleau, 21, while driving at over 50 mph on Pacific Coast Highway.Soleau faces a felony charge of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence following the August 2, 2025, incident.Aipa, known as a 'surf royalty heir,' was not wearing a helmet and grabbed onto Soleau's truck during a car surfing attempt.Prosecutors allege Soleau merged onto southbound PCH, causing Aipa to lose control and crash, resulting in fatal blunt head trauma.

The Orange County District Attorney's office cited California Vehicle Code violations, emphasizing the illegality of attaching to vehicles while on an e-bike.Aipa's death has sparked mourning in Hawaii and Huntington Beach, with his family highlighting his legacy of kindness and Aloha.The case underscores the dangers of high-speed driving and the legal consequences of negligent behavior.