One of the most celebrated names in the X Games, Dave Mirra, 41, was found lifeless in a truck due to an apparent self-inflicted gunshot, as reported by The Guardian on Friday.
The North Carolina police responded to reports of an apparent suicide and found the BMX icon's body upon arrival. Greenville mayor, Allen Thomas, shared his thoughts on Mirra's death, referring to him as a humble man who loved talking to kids about bikes.
"We mourn the loss today of a great friend and wonderful human being who touched lives of so many around the world with his gift. He called Greenville, North Carolina home and was a humble 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.
Winning 24 medals between 1995 and 2008 at the X Games, Mirra was an astounding BMX rider whose career nearly ended in 1993 after being hit by a drunk driver. Despite the accident that almost put a halt to his career and passion, Mirra recovered and continued to ace the extreme and only had his record streak broken by Bob Burnquist in 2013.
The broadcaster of X Games, ESPN, shared a tribute to the brilliant athlete. "Dave Mirra, your courage, determination and natural skill in everything you pursued pushed the world of action sports to become a better place. From all of us at X Games and ESPN, we salute your contributions," read the statement.
ESPN also sent their condolences to Mirra's wife, Lauren, their two daughters Madison and Mackenzie, and as well as the BMX community and all of Mirra's beloved friends. Top tier skateboarder Tony Hawk is one of the people who paid tributes to Mirra, remembering him as a true pioneer, an icon and a legend. "Thank you for the memories... we are heartbroken," Hawk tweeted.
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