Sunny Garcia: Former world surfing champion in hospital in intensive care

The 49-year-old reached the top of the sport in 2000 and won the Triple Crown on six occasions over nearly 20 years on the tour

Former world champion Sunny Garcia is in intensive care (AFP/Getty Images)

Former world surfing champion Sunny Garcia is in intensive care, the World Surf League have confirmed.

Garcia clinched his world title in 2000 and triumphed in the end-of-year Triple Crown on six occasions.

Currently being treated in hospital in Oregon, the WSL paid tribute to the walk of fame surfer.

“With heavy hearts we confirm that Sunny Garcia is in the ICU in the hospital,” the WSL posted in a statement on Twitter.

“Sunny has always been a great champion of surfing, both in and out of the water. Our prayers are with him and his loved ones at this deeply challenging time.”

Garcia was the second ever surfer to surpass the $1 million mark in career prize money.

He is also known for his involvement with charities for autism and cystic fibrosis.

Sunny Garcia competing in 2012 (AFP/Getty Images)

Fans and fellow professional surfers have come out in support of Garcia, with former world champion Derek Ho pleading with him to "hang in there" in a since deleted post.

The 1993 world champion wrote: “Hang in there … [it’s] not your time! Only God knows! … our prayers are with you!!!”