The successful BMX star Dave Mirra is dead at the age of 41 after an apparent suicide, but the death is still being investigated. His body was found on Thursday in Greenville, North Carolina where he apparently shot himself in the head while sitting in his truck. He was in the area visiting friends at the time.
Dave leaves behind him a wife and two children.
At one point in time Dave held the the record for the most X Games medals. He also hosted 2 seasons of Real World/Road Rules Challenge on MTV, as well as drove for the Subaru rally car racing team. Dave had been training in BMX bike riding since the age of five and had over 20 medals.
Just hours before his death he had posted an incredibly sweet shout out to his wife on Instagram.
Good friend and fellow BMX rider T.J. Levin says:
“I just wish he would have called me. I would have jumped on a plane in a second. There’s always another way. If anyone needs help, just please get it. I feel sick about this.”
ESPN also posted their condolences.
“Dave Mirra, your courage, determination and natural skill in everything you pursued pushed the world of action sports to become a better place,”
Even the mayor of Greenville Allen Thomas also spoke out about the loss.
“We mourn the loss today of a great friend and wonderful human being. He called Greenville, N.C., home and was as humble a guy talking with kids on a street corner about bikes as he was in his element on the world stage.”