Skateboarding Community Posts Moving Tributes To London Bridge Hero

Skateboarders around the world are celebrating Ignacio Echeverría, a 39-year-old Spanish banker who died during the London Bridge attack that killed eight people. Echeverría was allegedly skateboarding near the bridge when he saw a woman being stabbed by one of the three attackers. Echeverría used his skateboard to assault the attacker before being stabbed by another. He later died.

Spain’s Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy tweeted his condolences, “Dismayed by the murder of Ignacio Echeverría, my condolences to his family. We will always remember him for his heroic and exemplary act.”

In a statement, the Spanish government said, "The government wishes to convey to his relatives and friends that they are not alone in their pain, and that, today, Spain is with them, sharing their feelings and desolation and joined with them in this terrible moment.

"The exemplary attitude shown by Ignacio Echeverría during the attacks is a demonstration of solidarity for all to see. His bravery in defending a helpless person serves as a reminder of the need to remain united before the scourge of terrorism, facing up to those whose only language is one of violence and terror. The government believes strongly that unity among democrats can overcome many challenges, including terrorist madness."

Praise for Echeverría has spread through the skateboarding community, particularly on Instagram, where artists from San Francisco, London, and Spain posted tributes to his bravery.