I’m not that interested in writing obituaries or eulogies, I’d rather the subject receives my words while alive, but obviously life happens and great people slip by. For starters I’m absolutely gutted, I’d just began reading his book three weeks ago and I am so very proud of Don for writing his story, it’s very inspiring to say the least. I snowboarded with Don in at least a dozen countries because we both were sponsored by Lamar snowboards in the early 90’s. We rode and filmed in different snowboarding style films but when it came to the brass tacks of actually snowboarding , we were very similar snowboarders. Don, like many of the guys I write about, was a card carrying legitimate skateboarder, so although he and I grew up in different regions of the country, we shared the same root system in our snowboarding. Another thing that was huge to me, Szabo and myself saw eye to eye on Iron Maiden. Sure everybody likes to say they love them now, but this was in 1992 when grunge ruled the world and Iron Maiden fans were scant. At this point, to not mention mental health would be to our collective detriment, as far as I know and read in his book, Szabo suffered many many concussions, hell we all did. Us Gen X creatins must be very observant of our own mental state and also of those around us. I spoke to Szabo and have been texting with him as recently as a week ago and I didn’t suspect he was hurting so much, but then again the writing was on the wall…
On top of a plethora of CET inducing injuries, Dan lost his wife to cancer some years ago, and that is a devastatingly destabilizing life blow. Yet Don found love again and as far as I could tell he seemingly navigated that tragedy as best as anyone could. I’ve been in touch with one of Dons best friends @bitchenvincekitchen and he regrettably told me there were signs. Don didn’t share my intake of drugs and alcohol yet he obviously suffered mentally. I really thought Don was on the right path mentally, especially knowing what he’d been through, but he wasn’t. I’d like to offer my deepest condolences to the Szabo family (especially his daughter) and let’s at least mentally pinky promise that we really look out for one other. All we have to do is pry a little when talking with friends. It may not be easy to converse about, but I f we don’t share our heavy life issues then we’re creating them for one another. God bless Don Szabo
- Mike Ranquet
In memory of Don “00” Szabo
A pioneer of snowboarding.
A legend in action-sports film.
A Crusty Demons OG.
Creature of habit.
Don was an important part of the early days of Crusty Demons, helping shape the culture, the attitude, and the stories that defined an era. He was a writer, a fearless mountain biker, an exceptional all-around athlete, and above all, a kind-hearted, solid gentleman and a genuinely good person. He will never be forgotten.
We are heartbroken by his passing.
He will be deeply missed and always respected.
You were loved.
Your legacy lives on.
Godspeed, 00.
- Crusty Demons
In memory of Don “00” Szabo 
I was just told by my friend Randy Wild that our friend Don Szabo skateboarding extraordinaire has taken his life for reasons which are not known. One of the San Fernando valleys best, skateboarder, snowboarder, and friend. He will be remembered fondly, rest in peace Don.
