A 31-year-old Redmond millwright was killed Sunday in a land kiteboarding accident at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center.

Zackary Hannan started kiteboarding — an extreme sport also called landboarding — about a year ago.

Kiteboarding involves being strapped to a wheeled board and pulled across the ground by a kite.

Around 11 a.m. Sunday, Hannan went to the fairgrounds on Airport Way to take advantage of this weekend’s high winds, according to Redmond Police Lt. Curtis Chambers.

“He was nearly prepped and ready to start,” Chambers said.

“He had strapped into his kite but had not yet secured his helmet to his head.”

A gust of wind picked up Hannan’s kite, which pulled Hannan into the air about 30 feet. He fell to the ground, striking his head on the asphalt parking lot.

Hannan was taken to St. Charles Bend where he underwent surgery for severe head injuries. He died around 5 p.m.

Redmond Police ruled the event an accident.

Hannan was born in Bend and grew up in Redmond. He had a younger brother, Dakota, and younger sisters Justy and Mallory.

Hannan attended Redmond High School and had recently completed a millwright apprenticeship.

He was an experienced outdoor adventurist, though kiteboarding was a new interest for him. Hannan loved four-wheeling, trucks and his pit bull, Boss.

“He was very well-loved,” his mother, Rebecca Hanson, said. “His laughter is literally echoing in all our heads. We’re going to miss him like no one can understand.”

Hannan’s family will likely hold a small celebration of life at his mother’s house in Mill City.

“He gave the warmest hugs. He didn’t even let you go when he hugged you,” his mother said.