In Memory Of Anthony Masters

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers,

Our hearts are heavy, yet overflowing with unyielding admiration and love as we bid farewell to Anthony John Masters -- a surf-dog, mezcal-head, skate-demon, plant-daddy, tiki-lord, collector-of-everything, bon vivant and favorite kook. If you are reading this but never met Anthony, first, thank you for your time. Second, and most important, the sad truth is you missed out on a remarkable human.

Since his sudden death on June 11th, 2023, there have been thousands of messages, comments, and posts reiterating the same thing: Losing Anthony meant losing a best friend, no matter the length of time one knew him.

Our beloved Tony exuded an irrepressible zest for life and captivated everyone he encountered. His magnetic charm and boundless curiosity propelled him on countless adventures across untamed waves, untrodden roads, and vibrant cultures. He was the guy who made sure everyone around him had a good time. He cooked, cleaned, and entertained; he created, supported, and helped; he joked, inspired, and loved.

On June 4th, 2023, just after midnight, Anthony was riding his bicycle home when a sudden collision knocked him off his bike and landed him on the pavement. As a result of the fall, he fractured his skull and developed an epidural hematoma as well as a contusion to his frontal lobe. In simpler terms, Anthony suffered severe head trauma, including internal bleeding and bruising of his brain. Although he was in serious condition, Tony was alert and engaged with the clinical team once he arrived at the emergency room. He was then admitted to the ICU where he was expected to spend 6-7 days. Neurologists shared encouraging reports - he would most likely need physical and cognitive therapies, but all signs pointed to a full recovery.

While Anthony was at the hospital, his father and partner were present daily to witness his promising improvements. In true Tony style, he razzed his dad, cracked jokes, and begged Lauren for kisses, back scratches, and foot massages. It was clear he was on his way back. Despite being tired, confused and experiencing a terrible headache (understandably), doctors were blown away by his playful personality and clever humor. Occasionally, he twirled his hair and even requested a delicious mezcal cocktail.

On the sixth day, however, Tony's health began to deteriorate rapidly, a shocking turn of events. He became lethargic and unresponsive, and in the late hours of the night, he aspirated, forcing him to gasp for air. The hospital staff missed the mark: Anthony needed oxygen and they failed to get it to him in time, causing him to slip into a state of coma. Despite efforts to keep him stable, his condition became critical and he passed away on the morning of June 11th, only 30 hours later.

It's rare to hear someone described as unlike anyone you’ve ever met, but that was exactly how everyone felt about Anthony. Those who were lucky enough to tag along for the ride will never forget him; his impact is everlasting. We lost our brother, son, partner, and best friend. He has departed from our midst far too soon.

We are devastated by Anthony's death and outraged at the negligent care he received. We are now faced with the task of settling his end-of-life expenses and healthcare fees, as well as planning his memorial. The funds raised here will cover all costs associated with this process. We are grateful for any contribution you can make to this cause, and though we know that no amount of money could ever ease the pain or bring our Tony back, your gift will help immensely for his family who loved him dearly.

Since Tony loved to support others by purchasing merch, those who donate $100 or more will receive a T-shirt featuring one of his many famous sayings. The shirts will be produced free of charge in Anthony's honor, so if you are interested in receiving one, please let us know by sending your size and shipping address by using GoFundMe's "Contact" button below when donating.

We love you.

With heartfelt thanks,

Gregg Masters, Lauren Baker, and Brendon Masters

We'd like to thank our dear friends Eric Ochoa, Currie Wagner and Eli Cox for their generosity in assisting us with the writing and creation of this page.

You can read more about Anthony's unfortunate experience caused by the healthcare system on Gregg's website.