Updated 08/12/2009 06:34 PM
Legendary Skater Andy Kessler Dies
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A skateboard legend credited with establishing several of the city's skate parks has died.
Friends say Andy Kessler, 49, designed several skate parks, including one at 108th Street and Riverside Park in Manhattan and another one in Brooklyn.
Some skaters call Kessler an inspiration for the city's skateboarding community and say he was always visible at local skate parks.
"Andy was the original person that pushed for cooperation between skaters and the Parks Department, to get moving on supporting skateboarding throughout the five boroughs," said friend Billy Rohan.
Kessler died unexpectedly after reportedly suffering an allergic reaction from an insect sting in Suffolk County.