Star US surfer dies

American surfing star Jay Moriarity has died in a diving accident, according to officials in the Maldives, where he was visiting for a surfing competition.

Yesterday would have been Moriarity's 23rd birthday, and he had been scheduled to meet his wife, Kim, in Europe today.

The Santa Cruz Sentinel, Moriarity's home-town newspaper in northern California, reported that Moriarity had gone diving on his own.

When he failed to return for a meal, friends grew concerned, and hours later discovered his body in water near where he had been diving.

Moriarity, known for riding big waves and stylish moves, routinely finished among the top surfers in competitions around the world.