The raw version of Rio O’Byrne’s Vague part, filmed by Luke Kroon and Roy O’Halloran. We’re uploading this because it captures some beautiful moments that people may not have seen before, and to celebrate and appreciate such a talented person.
Rest easy, Rio. Our thoughts are with Rio’s family, friends, and everyone who knew and loved him. ❤️
Words by Jono Coote: “Catching the Victoria Line up to Camden to skate Cantelowes with Rio, his dad Mick and all the other locals was an event I always looked forward to, and, once he found his legs, every session there seemed to involve Rio picking up a new line in the bowl. He was one of those rare few skaters whose talent and charisma sees them manage to have one foot in the contest camp, one in the looser, more Tent City facet of skating.
Whether at an event or on the road with the crew, he was a true skate rat but without the single dimension that epithet can signal; always down for a chat as much as he was a skate. He was my friend, I’m stoked to see what he achieved both on and off of a skateboard on this damp, grey rock as it hurtles through space, and I miss him.
If time is non-linear, then everything at some level is occuring at the same time and chances are we’re still skating some weathered London skatepark together, quantum entanglement resulting in shared frontside grinds and cold beer and the ever-elusive pursuit of fun. If it isn’t, then I was very fucking lucky to get in the sessions we had together, and I’ll forever cherish them.
If you were in the right place, at the right time – and, judging by the outpouring on social media, a lot of you were – you were lucky too. RIP Rio, we all love you.”
Filmed by: Luke Kroon
Additional Filming by: Roy O’Holloran
