RIP: BMX Legend Dave Mirra Has Been Found Dead
Police in Greenville, North Carolina have confirmed that legendary BMX hero Dave Mirra has died in tragic circumstances.
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Pro-BMX superstar Dave Mirra has tragically died after an apparent suicide. The Greenville police department posted a message on Facebook confirming the horrible news saying:
“At approximately 4pm today, Greenville Police responded to the 200 block of Pinewood Road for an apparent suicide.” the police department posted on Facebook.
BMX Icon @davemirra dead at 41 of apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. https://t.co/G6eBcip45f
— Greenville Police (@GreenvillePD) February 5, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers go out to @davemirra's family and friends during this extremely difficult time
— Greenville Police (@GreenvillePD) February 5, 2016
Dave Mirra was a legend of the sport and fans will remember playing out his career on popular 2000’s video game ‘Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX‘. His success helped establish his city of Greenville as “Protown” in the BMX community due to a huge increase in professional riders that were inspired by his career.
Mirra won 24 X-Games medals, holding the record for the most X-Games gongs until being passed by Bob Burnquist in 2012. Mirra also holds an outstanding track record of medalling in every X-Games from when they started in 1995 up to 2008.
Following a huge carer, the talented athlete represented Subaru as a RallyCross driver, competing in the Global RallyCross Championships. In 2007 he started his own company called MirraCo.
The police department posted to Facebook:
“Considered an icon in the pro-BMX world, Mirra, was instrumental in bringing the sport to the City of Greenville, which now is home to more than 20 professional BMX riders. The record-holding athlete is survived by his wife and two children.
“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. 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.
“The Greenville Police Department will be handling the death investigation.
He will be sadly missed by all those in BMX community and our thoughts go out to all his family, friends and members of the sport. Ride on you legend!