Shaun White Pays Emotional Tribute to Late ‘Best Bud’

Olympic snowboarder Shaun White is dealing with a devastating loss.

On Wednesday, August 14, the 37-year-old athlete took to Instagram to share an emotional tribute to his late French Bulldog, Steve. A series of photos showed the pup and White posing and having fun, with the pair taking a nap together in the final shot.

“With a heavy heart I wanted to let everyone know that Steve’s health took a turn for the worse recently and he passed away peacefully at the age of almost 13. I’m absolutely devastated by this loss. I raised him from a pup and he was the perfect amount of fun, loving, and crazy that you would want in a dog. He gave big French Bulldog energy till the end. I feel blessed to have had him as my dog and best bud. Love you forever buddy ❤️ rip,” White captioned the post.

In the comments, fans and fellow athletes alike expressed their sympathy.

“Sorry for your loss,” wrote Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps.

“The pain of losing a pup is heavy. I know what ur goin through and I send all my love brother. ❤️🙏🏾 hold ya head Shaun ✌🏾,” commented Kid Cudi. Someone else shared a fond memory with the pup, noting, “The only dog to ever successfully outrun the cops. Rest up lil buddy ❤️🙌.”

“I’m SO sorry! 💔 sending all the love,” wrote Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn. White’s girlfriend, Nina Dobrev, added heartbroken emojis, “💔🤍💔🤍💔.”

Dobrev’s The Vampire Diaries co-star Kayla Ewell added, “Heartbreaking 💔He was the absolute best. Always such a happy little guy. We’re sending you lots of love.”

In 2022, White opened up in an interview with People about how Steve helped to bring him and Dobrev together.

“Steve has a bit of an attitude, but they get along amazingly. So it was really meant to be,” Shaun said.

White and Dobrev were recently seen walking the red carpet at the Olympic Opening Ceremonies in Paris.

Source: usmagazine.com, swimworld.com