Mickey Reyes Obituary, San Francisco Skateboarding Icon And Deluxe Manager Has Dies

Mickey Reyes, a longtime and influential figure in San Francisco’s skateboarding community, has died, according to an announcement from Thrasher Magazine on Wednesday. His passing has prompted tributes from people across the skateboarding world who knew him as a respected presence within the city’s iconic street-skating culture.

Thrasher remembered Reyes as a defining figure of a particular era in San Francisco skateboarding. The magazine described him as a longtime member of the Deluxe family whose influence extended far beyond his work as a team manager. He was remembered as someone who offered guidance, protection, and support to those around him, particularly younger skaters.

No cause of death was disclosed in the announcement. Reyes is survived by his daughter, Dakota. Reyes developed his connection to skateboarding through San Francisco’s local scene before building a career that kept him closely involved with the industry for decades. He managed teams for Deluxe Distribution, the San Francisco-based company associated with skateboarding brands including Real, Anti-Hero, and Krooked.

His influence also extended into skateboarding footwear. In 2015, Nike worked with Reyes on the Mission Blazer, a shoe inspired by San Francisco and the neighborhood where he was born and raised. The design incorporated the city’s recognizable black-and-orange colors along with references to local skateboarding spots.

Although Reyes could appear intimidating to skaters who knew of his reputation, those who worked closely with him often described him as deeply loyal and protective. A 2013 Vice profile explored his reputation and his own reflections on how he had changed over the years.

Reyes also spoke openly about fatherhood and his desire to provide a positive example for his daughter. For many in San Francisco’s skateboarding community, Reyes represented more than an industry professional. He was a familiar and trusted figure whose toughness was accompanied by compassion and loyalty. His death marks the loss of a distinctive personality from an influential chapter of San Francisco skateboarding, while his impact on the people and culture around him will continue to be remembered.