Davi was a California surfer renowned for his fearlessness who earned the respect of big wave riders in Oahu, Hawaii. He died riding a giant wave at Ghost Trees—a surf spot he helped popularize near California’s famous Pebble Beach golf course. The 70-foot wave he was riding was whipped up by a winter storm and considered too large for conventional paddling. Davi nevertheless was seen paddling out by fellow surfers. He was reported to have drowned after sustaining severe head and chest injuries. Davi was respected in the surfing community for his courage, and was nicknamed “Outer Reef Chief” by local Hawaiians.