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Asthma Death Of Lian Murray, Well-Known Surfwear Designer, Shocks Colleagues

NEWPORT BEACH (CBSLA.com) — Family members and colleagues are stunned by the unexpected death of well-known surf clothing designer Lian Murray.

The 54-year-old died from an asthma attack Sunday in her Newport Beach bedroom.

"When I found her, she was still alive," said Murray's 20-year-old daughter, Morgan. "I could see that she was trying to use her inhaler, but I don't think she had started to use it soon enough."

Morgan, who said her mother never had life-threatening asthma attacks before, said she immediately called 911, but it was too late.

Murray's passing has sent shock waves through the surf industry, where she's credited with bringing Velcro-less board shorts, low-rise pants and unfinished hems to famous brands like Hurley, Quiksilver and Billabong.

Bob Hurley, the founder of Hurley International, wrote, "Lian was a founder and was instrumental in the formulation of the Hurley brand—its concepts, its values and its style. She was fearless in design, and in business."

Bob McKnight, the co-founder of Quiksilver, said, "She forever has left her fingerprints on our brand, and we are certainly all better off for her handwriting on our products, and the memories of her wonderful passion for life."

Morgan can't help but think about what she could have done to prevent her mother's death.

"I wish that I would have done my own personal research and we had inhalers spread out through the whole house. Asthma is a very, very serious thing, and I didn't really understand that," she said.

Murray leaves behind two daughters and her mother.

A public memorial will be held at L Street Beach in Newport Beach on Sunday at 11 a.m.

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