Surfer Kalani David, 24, dies after seizure while practicing in Costa Rica

Kalani David, a surfer who was a former junior world surfing champion, suffered a seizure Saturday while practicing in Costa Rica and died, according to friends and authorities. David, whose full name was Kalani David Feeney Barrientos, was 24.

David was surfing at Playa Hermosa in Jacó, a small town on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, when he died, the Organismo de Investigación Judicial – Costa Rica's official investigative branch – confirmed to the Associated Press.

"He was surfing when he apparently suffered some kind of epileptic seizure and drowned," they said in a message to The Associated Press. "The death is still under investigation."

David had been diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, which is a heart condition that can cause rapid heartbeats, paralysis and seizures.

David was born in Hawaii to a Costa Rican mother. He also competed as a skateboarder.

Back in 2012, while competing in the Under-16 category, David won the Junior World Surfing championship that was held in Panama.

As news of his death circulated, friends and colleagues paid tribute to David on social media.

"Love you Kalani," filmmaker Peter King wrote in a post on Instagram,"Only God knows His timing. Life isn't easy. Always battling. Always learning. Heartbreaking news. Kalani passed away in Costa Rica (Saturday), he had a massive seizure while surfing. He had reconnected with family there and was having such a great time. I'll always remember your stoke when we'd shoot skate n surf and how much hope you had for (your) future. God bless the family and extended family that were always there for you."

Contributing: Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kalani David dies at 24: Surfer suffering seizure during practice