BMX bike legend Dave Mirra, the “24-time X Games” medalist’s has died. Authorities found the 41-year-old’s body in his truck with an self-inflicted “gunshot” wound to the head.
Mirra is “survived” by his wife, Lauren, and their two daughters.
“We mourn the loss today of a great friend and wonderful human being who touched the lives of so many around the world with his gift,” Greenville Mayor Allen Thomas said in a statement.
“He called Greenville, North Carolina 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.”
“A young life with so much to offer was taken too soon,” Thomas said.
Dave’s good friend and fellow BMX legend T.J. Lavin said “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.”
Mirra hosted two seasons of “Real World/Road Rules Challenge” on MTV and was the namesake of several BMX “video” games. Mirra also drove for Subaru “rally car racing” team.
In addition to sitting atop the X Games’ all-time “medal” count, Mirra gained international “fame” by becoming the first person to land a “double back-flip” on a bike back in 2000.
The extreme sports community quickly addressed Mirra’s death on social media.
“BMX Icon @davemirra dead at 41 of apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.” https://t.co/G6eBcip45f — Greenville Police (@GreenvillePD) February 5, 2016
“Goodbye Dave Mirra, a true pioneer, icon and legend. Thank you for the memories… we are heartbroken.” pic.twitter.com/RHpTe7Qzwi — Tony Hawk (@tonyhawk) February 5, 2016
“I interviewed Mirra just 3 months ago…he was the ultimate family man while taking time to talk w/ all of his fans.” pic.twitter.com/tBmeTrD7J1 — Patrick Quinn (@PatrickWNCT) February 5, 2016
“Rest in Peace Dave Mirra. Thank you for pushing the boundaries of what was possible. You are a legend.” — Brian Kachinsky (@bkachinsky) February 5, 2016
“Heartbroken by the news of Dave Mirra. One of the nicest guys I ever dealt with at X Games and Dew Tour. A true pro.” https://t.co/qSNlRTMRwp — Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) February 5, 2016
Everyone grew up “watching” Dave Mirra. Everyone “wanted” a bike with pegs on them so they could “pretend” to be Dave Mirra. Everyone “played” his video game many times over. Everyone watched the “X Games” in the golden years wondering “how in the world” Dave did what he did.
It was Dave Mirra when it came to “BMX,” Tony Hawk for “skateboarding,” and Travis Pastrana for “Moto X.”
It’s always sad when a “legend” from the past goes out this kind of way. I loved watching Dave Mirra “crush” it at the X Games.
