McGovern, 64, was surfing in Florida Sunday when he fell while riding a wave, according to Florida Today . He went into a coma and was pronounced dead Wednesday.

Joe McGovern , a Narragansett resident considered a pioneer in the East Coast surfing community, died doing what he loved.

When McGovern fell, he was surfing at Indian Harbor Beach—one of his favorite spots, according to Surfline.

"I am incredibly shocked and saddened," his daughter, Jennie, wrote in a statement, Surfline reported. "We went on many surf adventures together and I will cherish those memories."