BMX legend Dave Mirra has passed away at the age of 41 in Greenville, NC, from an apparent suicide. According to a statement issued by the Greenville Police Department, Mirra was found sitting in his truck with an apparent self inflicted gunshot wound. He leaves behind 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. A young life with so much to offer was taken too soon. - Allen Thomas, mayor of Greenville, NC
In addition to inspiring countless fans over the course of his storied career, Dave Mirra amassed an incredible number of X Games podium appearances, including a total of 14 gold medals for his performances on a BMX bike. He then turned his focus to rally car racing in 2010, racing for Subaru in the Global RallyCross championships, and then at the age of 40 once again turned his gaze to a new athletic endeavor - triathlon racing. His presence in the action sports world will be severely missed.
If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you are encouraged to seek help through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-TALK (USA), the Samaritans on 116 123 (UK), and the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14 (Australia).
As much as I don't like the Kardashians, we don't need to say this. I hate to be this guy but wishing death on others isn't cool. Believe me, I wish we could have helped him in his tough mindset but it overwhelmed him. It's super unfortunate. RIP Dave
I'm wondering if this has anything to do with CTE...it doesn't just apply to football. Hopefully they are able to do an autopsy and look for it, and gain some valuable research and insight.
It might seem like 2016 sucks, but you never know whats coming for yah. Live life like it your last day, and things will work out. Depression sucks, and suicide is even worse. But, these things happen. RIP all of the lost brothers in mtb.
I agree with you. Nobody should suffer the ultimate, '16 just seems to be taking a great amount of people we should have small amount of respect for. Stay safe, y'all.
Tragic stuff.. My idol growing up. Trained harder just because of his drive.
Positive vibes to you and your family. Must have been going through really tough stuff.
So far this year we've lost Lemmy, David Bowie, Alan Rickman, Kelly McGarry, and now Dave Mirra. Here's to hoping that this is it for the year! RIP, you'll all be missed
^^^That was one of the first things that popped into my head. Head injuries are no joke. Dave Pushed the limits back in the day too. No doubt crashed afew times for it. Personally I've always thought head injuries carry long term effects. Especially when someone locally decided to end they're life.
It sucks to say but hopefully there is a link with CTE. Dave had it all and was still pushing forward becoming a competitive triathlete. Based on his social media he seemed a solid, positive person. But there in lies the problem with possible mental illness, you can't see it.
dbendixen I honestly think.. Hope it couldn't be that. Dave came from a generation when there was no money in bmx. Not a cent. BMX here in the UK is on a downturn. A lot of shops distributors are finding it hard, if not shutting shop.
But
Watching an reading interviews with Dave over the years, especially his appearance on props Road fools tour. He always seemed Very head strong, intelligent an very together...
That's why this so sad an absolutely shocking
I understand your deep sorrow over the death of your music, sport ot TV idols but this is not a bad year in terms of people killed, unless a hurricane batters some beautiful town in the Gulf of Mexico, some sonofabitch plants a bomb in a crowded train, or the US invades another country in behalf of the democracy in the coming months.
My condolences to the families of all peple who've passed away this year and, of course, to Mirra's family.
Us? politics should be left out of this one! Lemmy was the death of rocknroll and he hated politicians. I grew up with Lemmy, Dave Mirra and later now Kelly. this year has not started well...
@AlexGustavsson It's not about politics, I was just giving three typical examples that usually happen year in and year out causing tons of suffering, much more than a few famous people's death, believe it or not.
Yes Benito Camelas, I recognize the origins of your distress, but this is an article about Dave Mirra. If you want to honor every single human being who died this year then find an article summing up of the month that just went by. Since this is a bike site, there is areason why death of Mirra is here and if PB kicks for 30-40 more years we'll read about Peaty or Hill going under, but we will never find such article on your mom or my son.
Very sad, if it was CTE that triggered this tragic event. Watch the movie "Concussion". Quite interesting. If it was depression that was the catalyst, also very sad. condolences to family & friends.
Ya I second that, ,2 legends fall this week. Mirra in my opinion is one of those bmx stars responsible for putting the sport on a world stage. He went thru the early days of demos and low payouts to massive success. I think all bmx/slopestyle/dj pros were blessed by him blazing the trail to getting paid for your extreme efforts and talent.
I used to say depressed people are just bored and selfish until I was in ICU on life support for 5 months. That was 7 years ago. Ever since then, I have been suffering from bouts of severe depression. I also have a wife and 2 small kids, but damn I have had times that I wanted to leave this world and end it all. That is what depression does - it robs you from rational thoughts. Things are better now (because I fell in love with MTB), but seriously it is no joke!!! RIP Dave.
Know what you mean Steelpolish! had a problem with my sköldkörtel, think you say Thyroid in english. when it got worse, it f*cked up some subtstance in the brain. The worst feeling is when you get depressed but you dont know why. You know you are a happy person but when you go to bed it all just spins. But know everything is good with some hormones for the thyroid. But that feeling will i never forget
@metong; You are correct, life isn't always bad. However for a person that suffers from depression or mental illness, life can seem like hell. Retread Steelpolish's post above. Sufferers want to feel good, they want to be happy but their brain is telling them different, whether from injury, chemical imbalance or abuse they're sometimes literally trapped in their own bodies & can see no other way out. Show compassion to these people,
Tendency to depression is very often a combination of genetic and environmental factors. They found a pattern, when researching suicide rates in a small village in Sweden, recorded through many generations. There were waves of famine up there and grand children of people exposed to famine were always depressed. Another research showed that brains of grandchildren of people exposed to 2nd world war look like brains of people with war trauma. Children of people who were telling them stories about horrors of war, were also susceptible to depression as they were reliving the nightmares experienced b their parents. There is a tiny assumption in psychological world that a great deal of current high levels of depression are strongly related to our grand parents World War II experience. It is very hard not to harm your kids but at the same time, they will kick the last sht out of you, 2 years of sleep depravation is a true tornment, actually classified by human rights act as a torture when performed by an adult person...
@Metong If only it were that simple; if only depression was just a choice. It is a pervasive, somewhat benign condition, hiding in the background of ones mind, keeping them from happiness. They can be in whistler, doing what they love, riding lap after lap every day, partying and getting with girl after girl every night, but it doesn't matter. Depression would keep a true smile from their face, and they wouldn't get any joy from riding, partying, girls, any of it.
Maybe i am just lucky having positive people around me telling me life is a gift, life ain't bad, life is a challenge, life is a travel. I always wish/pray/imagine growing old with my family and freinds ...rich or not. Depression/chemical imbalance may have no cure...but suicide ain't a cure also, its a way out, and if it gives them peace then let it be. They are in a happy place now.
I wonder how many people who are depressed then take "anti- Depressants" and end up committing suicide. It's true. Not sure here but it's very sad. RIP Dave. Much inspiration as I was growing up.
In the 90's I had two posters in my bedroom. Pamela Anderson's blue zone girl, and Dave Mirra getting huge air. Eventually the Pamela Anderson poster was lame so I tore it down, but Dave Mirra stayed up for years. He was my hero.
As a young teen, I remember watching over and over again the VHS footage of Dave at age 11 on one of the Dorking York videos shredding a quarter pipe and thinking damn, I didn't even learn to ride a bike until I was 9 and this kid was destined for greatness. To say Dave was an inspiration to me is a dramatic understatement. Dave will always be a hero of mine, living or otherwise. Blessings to his loved ones.
Suicide and depression are far too complex to be summarily described as selfish. If you haven't suffered from depression yourself, and aren't able to empathize, hold off on on the character smears and keep your comments to sympathies for his loved ones. Truly tragic.
I was going to say something about this, but I see someone else has. People don't just do this unless there is a history there. Thats what makes this a tragedy. Whether this was ongoing depression or a condition provoked by head injuries either way the tragedy is that he was not receiving the care and support to make sure this could never happen. How on earth somebody with this much talent and these kind of life opportunities could do this speaks powerfully about what these conditions can do to people.
I had depression once; and it's real. I then purchased a dirt bike, then a mountain bike and got married. One of those save my life; not sure which one... but I have never had a depression episode since . RIP Dave Mirra
Its funny how those who with no experience or knowledge would say such a thing (SteveDekker). ...I called it, but you will never know what real depression is. People say that term so loosely that its sometimes over looked and not taken seriously. I know what it is and it not the same as being BORED for 1 year... You will/may never know, so its better you not speak about the subject or else you may sound ignorant...
I had depression for 6 years and wanted to end it all, now I'm fine and have been for years. There is definately nothing more ignorant than saying suicide is a selfish act, as far as the depressed person is concerned those who want him to stay alive are the selfish ones for putting their wants ahead of his. Dave's suffering is over now and he is at peace, he must have struggled immensely inside to come to this and no body has any position to judge his actions or could possibly know what he was going through...
yea mate true and not so true, i mean you should think about ur kids, he had 2 kids and a wife, thats why is selfish. cuz they need you, and you should give everything for them.
My dad suffers from severe depression. He was sectioned last year due to a manic episode associated with his medication. I suffer bouts myself, and seeing how he has dealt with it is inspiring. He is on the mend but it is an uphill struggle. Mental health issues are incomprehensible, Dave had two young children and a wife, I'm sure he was a rational human being, so how hard must things have been for him to have weighed it all up and decided life isn't worth living anymore. I wish someone could have helped. If any one is suffering, please remember you aren't alone and this can be beaten. Much love to Dave 's family and all effected.
Amizaremi, I was in parental depression and even had an episode of psychosis, while alone at home with them. Fortunately it was only once and nothing happened to them. I get occasional strikes of depression, last one in december and I did come up with some elaborated scenarios how to kill myself in a smooth way so that no one needs to clean the mess or identify the corpse. My friend at work had suicidal thoughts while feeding her baby after not sleeping for 2 months. Kids can be a big part of why someone gets depressed. It is a self propelling vehicle on downward spiral. They tear you apart physically and mentally and then you feelbad for feeling that you are not coping with them. Men who live the life working, providing food for the table while their wives take careof kids, often have no clue what kind of hell they are being spared.
Depression is definitely not just a one time thing and it's not only adults who suffer, childern do also. Trust me, I'd rather not say anymore about it since it's still to personal and effects me to this day but I can say being strong and thinking/surrounding your self with loved ones and things you love to do can help, but it's not an end all be all and this tragic event shows that. Rip Dave you will be missed by all
I have also had clinical severe depression and let me tell you folks- it is the real fucking deal, make no mistake. People who've never had it just don't know how it is. RIP Dave
My best xmas ever was when I was lucky enough to unwrap his signature bike from Haro 20+ years ago, it was my first real bmx. So many memories on that bike tearing up the neighborhood. Dave is the reason I'm obsessed with bikes. My bought on day 1 of release copy of Dave Mirras pro bmx for playstation 1 is right next to me. I never thought I'd shed a tear for somebody I've never met.
Mirra was ALWAYS my favorite rider. He just dominated. I had the pleasure of seeing him ride in person up close on the Dew Tour years ago and even got to shake his hand. Class act guy, super nice and humble. Such a sad time. So unfortunate he could not get help for his issues, whatever they were.... Heart goes out to his wife and kids. They are no doubt going through a very hard time. Peace and love to all.
Terrible. On a day spent reminiscing about 1990s BMX no less. The story on Nyquist earlier today sent a few of us down memory lane and for this to happen today is crazy weird.
They should have his brain tested for CTE. It's a huge issue in football players but I'm sure it could be an issue with a guy Mirra too who likely suffered as many hits Yo the head aa any NFL player.
It wouldn't surprise me. The connection between serious concussions and depression is real. After I had a serious concussion I had depression and anxiety from it. It's something that seriously needs to be addressed in sports, ours included.
Double props @ethan991 and @sino428 good to see it getting discussed. I appreciate people's right to chose their own destiny but why do so many BMX riders do so without a helmet? Sad to see another great gone far to soon, RIP Dave
saw this after I commented on a different thread. I thought the same thing right away. Hopefully this will be a wakeup call to those who still think riding without a helmet is okay.
Impacts cause acceleration, and helmets work by lessening the impact with a crumple zone, and thereby lessening the acceleration forces transferred to the head and brain. So yes, helmets theoretically help lessen the long term effects repeated impacts to the head can have, although they do not eliminate them.
Not sure why all the negative props for @jclnv because he is pretty much spot on. Traditional helmet designs (hard she'll with dense foam padding) are meant to protect the head from severe direct impacts like skull fractures and such. But they really don't do much to prevent concussions. I mean they are better than nothing, but at the end of the day, the way they are currently designed, they don't really slow down the deceleration of the brain.
@sino428 He is getting negative props for an incredibly ignorant statement, not sure how you can consider that questionable. Considering how little is known about CTE in general, postulating that "helmets don't do anything for CTE" is ridiculous. However what can be stated factually is that helmets designed to mitigate torsional force from oblique impacts (ie. helmets with MIPS technology) are a step in the right direction, reducing damaging forces exerted upon the brain in the event of an impact.
@RunnerBobo - his statement wasn't ignorant. He just used the wrong term by saying CTE. He should have said helmets don't do anything for preventing concussions (which are believed to be the cause of CTE). And again he is right. Do a simple Google search for 'do helmets prevent concussions'. Bottom line is while they provide some protection (better than not wearing a helmet), even with some new advances like MIPS, helmets in general don't do a very much to prevent concussions.
I had a concussion that forced me to be in a dark room for 2 months. I was wearing the most up to date football helmet. They definitely don't prevent concussions. They certainly lessen the severity of them though.
@sino428 Regarding CTE, it is still unclear whether long term accumulation of sub-concussive impacts or actual concussive hits are primarily to blame for the accumulation of Tau and subsequent symptoms.. Imagining the impacts an NFL lineman accumulates and comparing that to sum of all a professional snowboarder's slams provides an example of this difference. Helmets do not prevent concussion, that is true. However the difference between a standard EPS skate helmet from Target and a POC Crane MIPS is substantial, and there is a video from some safety research lab that states essentially that much, comparing a non-CPSC conforming helmet to a mid-range CPSC rated basic EPS helmet. The gist of the video was that from a fall from x feet above the ground would kill someone in the non-rated helmet while the wearer or the rated helmet would sustain a concussion at most. Going down the impact scale, the helmet that best mitigates actual force exerted upon the brain will be more likely to keep the wearer from getting a concussion. There are a lot of definitions involved in this topic, and if they aren't clear to everyone involved then there are likely to be misconceptions as we saw above.
Don't worry guys I'm not offended. Pinkbike is ignorance ground zero.
I'll take the opinion of one of the worlds top three neurosurgeons who cycles through London everyday without a helmet rather than be swayed by downvotes on Pinkbike comments LOL!
I've seen that video and it only furthers my point. They tested the helmets and even the certified one still resulted in concussion levels of force from only a short height. Meaning just what I said originally, that helmets will prevent catastrophic injuries and but still don't do much to prevent concussions. Lessen the severity? Sure. But mane falling on one's head safe in any way? Not a chance.
Bottom line is that it's not simply about wearing a helmet or not. No matter what helmet you wear, if you fall on your head bunch of times you are going to damage your brain.
This is it, last comment, we basically agree that hitting one's head is bad. However, you said "the way they are currently designed, they don't really slow down the deceleration of the brain," and that was actually proven false by the video, showing that deceleration of the brain was reduced from >800 g's to 150. But yeah, you're absolutely right, slamming is bad with or without a helmet. Even MIPS isn't as good as not falling in the first place. RIP Dave Mirra
It's all good. guess I should have been a bit more clear as well, and said they don't slow down the deceleration of the brain enough to prevent concussions. My over riding point of all this was that when it comes to concussions and cumulative injury to the brain it's not simply about wearing a helmet as someone had suggested in an earlier comment (which is how this stated).
Saying helmets don't prevent concussions is absolutely ridiculous. Helmets don't prevent all concussions, but that doesn't mean they don't do anything for concussions/brain injuries and there's no point in wearing one.
Helmets absorb force from the foam compressing after a certain amount of force is applied. So anything under the force required to compress the foam is not absorbed. There's a certain amount of force (I can't remember the exact number off the top of my head, something like 80 g's or so) that it takes to make the brain run into the inside of the skull (this is what causes a concussion). The harder the brain runs into the skull, the more severe the concussion. When you hit your head wearing a helmet and the foam is compressed, the helmet is working and slowing down how hard your brain hits the inside of the skull, and preventing your concussion from being as bad as it could have been.
Now the problem with most helmets is that the minimum amount of force required for the helmets foam to compress is actually higher than the minimum amount of force required to cause a concussion. The thing is, you can get mild concussions and severe concussions, and even worse. So while a modern helmet won't help to prevent mild to even moderate concussions, it will absolutely do it's job in protecting you from anything worse than that. Those higher impacts are the ones that can kill you or cause brain damage. Protecting yourself from those is absolutely essential, and you can't do that without wearing a helmet.
It would be possible to make a helmet that protects against all concussions and worse, but with current helmet technology if would have to be really big to have the required amount of foam at a soft enough density to do the job. Hopefully with new technology there will be ways to prevent all concussions.
@jclnv - neurosurgeon you say - Is he called Eben Alexander? I have proof of heaven, he said - I was flying on a butterfly with a beautiful girl, he said...
I am no scientist but it is quite obvious to me that helmet can decrease severity of concussion, even if only slightly (I did read about the CET research) Proving an example by riding without a helmet - workoholism and chronic insomnia got on his head, he probably forgot about the issue that hard surface can definitely do to your head: skull fracture. To paraphrase Prof. Lawrence Krauss - "If some idea sounds too stupid to be true then it probably is stupid"
@WAKIdesigns it could very well be this guy: www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/10866273/Cycle-helmets-are-useless-says-brain-surgeon.html His argument is more about the perception that drivers have of road cyclists who wear helmets and the increase in recklessness that ensues. Very little to do with BMX, especially considering the difference in protection offered between high end extreme sport helmets and the ones he is referring to
Runnerbobo - that guy is a loonie. Why don't I just stop wearing seat belts, I bet there is a study that shows that if your car gets caught on fire while you are subconscious, then it is better to fly through the wind shield
July 2, 2015 I sustained a severe TBI (while wearing my full-face), dissected carotid artery, compression fracture of T5, fractured upper left mandible, and a stroke from being blown by an intense gust of wind (so I'm told) mid-air while jumping at Steamboat Bike Park where I was living at the time. I was in a coma for 2 weeks, woke up paralyzed on my left side, began PT OT and ST, re-learned how to walk, working on running, I skied over New Years and have began mountain biking again 2 weeks ago. I just have to take it very mild and be hyper aware as I still don't have enough dexterity and strength in my left side to use the front brake effectively. That said, my point is brain injuries change you forever and do contribute to depression. RIP, Dave.
@sino428 Thank you! and just to clarify, it was my maxilla not mandible, and for those unfamiliar, a TBI is a traumatic brain injury. I had to Google my injuries when I woke up, I had never heard of a tbi or dissected artery. Mine was "severe", the highest degree besides a "vegetative" TBI. Be smart, be safe. It's up to you. A gust of wind did cause it for me but it was still my choice to ride in poor conditions and get airborne.
@wildwood glad to hear you're doing well. I'm an OT in training so I hope my brethren treated you well and helped you out. You're obviously a fighter and I wish you continued good luck in your recovery. And regardless of the potential myriad of reasons behind the recent tragedy with Dave Mirra, let's all hope he rests in peace. I know he was a huge idol of mine when I was a BMX street rider getting chased by UMASS security guards...he will always be a legend
And for those of you who want to see what TBI can do, have a look at the movie called The Crash Reel. The story of Kevin Pierce and his recovery is quite something. Not related to MTB but the movie is a good one. I'm glad this has provoked discussion, awareness is a good thing
@Blackers, in response to your original comment; yeah, seeing so many bmx kids without helmets running brake-less seems kind of risky these days, especially once they start going huge (tommy dugan comes to mind as an example, especially in concrete skateparks) but regarding mirra and other oldschool bmx'rs compared to the new-school, (take matt hoffman as an example) sort of were into the whole protection thing, was it because they were doing tricks 12+ feet out on 12 foot vert ramps, and a mistake could mean almost a 25 foot fall out of the air onto ones head? In comparison, I see a lot of dirt jumpers doing step ups where they have almost no elevation left to drop out from the air if they mess up on their trick. also even skatepark riding a lot of times is on smaller transitions with not a lot of air time for the new kids to bash their skulls?, I always cringe & worry almost more about their knees, ankles and feet when they crash... I guess I am oldschool, but i think that having at least 1 brake AND wearing a helmet is smarter than "looking cool”?
After my coma with a helmet, and seeing what it put my family, loved ones through, wearing a helmet really shows you're not ignorant and shows you have people you love. While being realistic that anything can happen anytime regardless of skill-set. It has nothing to do with being "cool". If you're trying to look "cool", you're for sure anything but.
I am rarely into "greater good" and medieval executions but really, people who endorse riding without a helmet should get sodomized publically. Particularly those who have authority and thus responsibility coming with it. Those deserve to be fkd in the bum in the midfle of public square until their starfish cracks.
@WAKIdesigns i've noticed with your amount of clout these days on pb, you seem to be taking full advantage of it and are feeling free to get pretty sexually explicit with your comments. are you okay dude? we all love you...
2016 is not turning out to be a good year for famous people. RIP Mirra, RIP McGarry, RIP Lemmy, RIP Bowie, RIP Wogan, And we're barely into Feb......WTF? Thoughs going out to all their family and friends all will be missed but never forgotten
This is insane... How.. Just how?? What's going on!! God help us all )): rest in peace not only to mcgazza or Mira but to all who feel so hated and alone in this world that they choose to take away their own lives. If anyone knows anyone who thinks about committing suicide please guys, try to help them anyway you can! God bless, all of you guys!
Suicide. Wow. We think these guys have it all and then you read this. #BellLetsTalk It's never too late folks. Even if you want to spill your guts to some stranger on the street, sometimes talking to anyone can make a difference in how you feel. Let's not continue 2016 like this, so sad.
This news along with the passing of Kelly McGarry should act as a wake up call to us all. We never know how long we will have to live on this planet so we have to live life as we truly wish to, no matter what that wish is we have to pursue it. It is a shame that Mirra chose to end his pursuit, but we are not in a place to judge. All that we can do is hope that he is in a better place now living how he wish he could have in the life he so abruptly ended. My condolences to his friends, family, loved ones, and anyone his riding touched; and to anyone reading this, I hope you know how much each and everyone one of you is appreciated and loved, even if it is in ways you do not recognize. Shred on, Mirra
I've never posted anything here on Pinkbike, but I'm so sad that I felt like I needed an outlet to grieve. Dave was such an inspirational human being. I can remember when he first showed up in the scenes and completely blew my mind and everybody who saw him ride. I loved watching him and looked forward to the X Games every year just so I could watch Dave dominate! Let me just say I love you you Dave and you will be missed by millions. My thoughts are with his family. Ride In Peace Dave!
I actually said the exact same thing. Normal train of thought for me since I work for a helmet company. But still.
Immediately I was like... well... if they were able to... I wonder how bad his CTE is. I'd be willing to bet that his brain was in worse shape that Junior's was. I guarantee you he's had more concussions than nearly every football player in the history of the nfl.
That dude has taken MASSIVE spills before helmets were worn. And then once he started wearing helmets in the pipe they were heavy helmets and I know for a fact he had no less than 5 concussions wearing those helmets. Then the dude probably made the worst possible decision and went in to boxing. Which is TERRIBLE for those types of injuries because the soft gloves can just batter your brain... a quick knock out with lighter gloves actually does less damage than taking shots for 10 straight rounds.
I know he was living with a lot of pain. And I'd be amazed if it doesn't come out that he was suffering from massive mood swings, memory loss and train of thought issues.
I have taken maybe 5 percent of the shots he's taken and I deal with it.
Really just bums me out. I've been there. Sitting there thinking there are no other options. No one would miss you. People would be better off without having to support me. Etc. Sat there writing notes and taking steps to get it done. But now... as a father of 2 kids and a husband... there is no way in hell I'd give up on them. Leave them with the questions, the clean up, a lifetime of wondering... wtf. A lifetime not having an rad person around to show them the way. Teach them about life.
But I wasn't dealing with what he was dealing with so no judgement at all. Just sadness for everyone he left behind and for the years of life he had left.
I am at a loss for words. Dave Mirra was someone who defined my teenage life. I rode with him before he became the superstar that launched BMX into mainstream media. I bunked up in his cabin, over his watch, and was enthralled with his stories of the BMX life. He was my hero. I followed and I idolized. He was the best BMX rider the world had ever seen. He left BMX to drive rally cars. He married a gorgeous woman and he had beautiful children....two little girls. #beadadnotafad created by the "Miracle Boy" himself was something I could both respect and relate to. It gave me the hope that I too could perhaps be as great of a father to my own children. What went wrong?! Why? He had everything. Yet now, here we are, minus one. I am truly hurt and my head hangs heavy and my heart, heavier because the world lost its best rider on 20" wheels, I lost a role model, but it is his children who lost the most.....they lost their father.
This is the first time I've written on pinkbike.com, I'm traveling before the x games existed at Woodward PA back in 93. I was a gymnast and he was a soon to be legend shooting the shit around campfires with Jay Miron, and Kenan Harkin running his mouth as usual. I have not seen Dave for sixteen years, but would see him in tv comps, and listen to all the kids these days talk about playing his video game as they grew up. I'm sorry to all his family and all his friends that he did not turn to. I ride every form of bikes these days, and have been in the industry for ten years, and I love telling everyone I grew up with these guys before they where famous. I wish I got to ride bikes with them in the days. I hope the families find peace.
Don't be just another selfish friend who cannot look up from your phone to pay attention to your friends. Listen, look them in the eye and pay attention! Life is short and we need to make the most of EACH OTHER, not the machines.
"who cannot look up from your phone to pay attention to your friends" holy shit this. It's amazing how much my friends have missed with their faces buried in their phones when I'm honestly trying to reach out to them. I know they read my comment history too. Sorry guys gets your faces out of your phones.
Man, I can't believe this. There was just a great thread going about mid school BMX over on the nyquist article and someone brought this up.
2 legends in one week. Just sad.
Wow, 2016 starting rough. Most of you are gonna know this, but I feel like this is appropriate: David Michael Mirra was born on April 4, 1974, in the small New York town of Chittenango. His parents divorced when he was 5, and he was raised by his dad. As most kids do, Dave was riding his bike around the town, and he noticed some kids riding BMX. He and his friends and brother began building wooden jumps and began making his own tricks. Within a couple years, Freestyle BMX took off in the world, and Dave got noticed at around age 13 for his flatland racing ability. Mirra was hooked, and he and his friends urged each other on and were seldom seen without their bikes.
"Anything you want to get better at is a commitment. Without commitment, there would be no success." - Dave Mirra
Please remember to listen to those feeling down and out. Sometimes taking a minute to listen and show you care can be the difference between life and death for people. In my high school back in the 90's there was a kid nobody really liked, kind of a misfit and quiet. I'm sure felt like not a soul in the world cared for him. One day he ended up hanging himself in the boys bathroom at school. Everybody paid attention when it was too late. I often struggle myself with self esteem and can feel really down but I press on hoping for better days ahead.
Grew watching Dave, Nyquist, McCoy and others.
They were the biggest reason I got into BMX and later MTB.
It's absolutely hear breaking to hear about this. I started following him on instagram a few months ago and was happy to see he had been doing well in life. Family, success, competing in triathlons. This comes as such a shock to me. I feel so much for his wife and kids right now.
If anyone out there has troubles with stress, depression, anxiety ANYTHING! Please talk to someone.
Seeking help doesn't make you weak. Quite the opposite really.
RIP Dave
R.I.P Dave--my favorite bmx has been the MirraCo 20forty
Dude...there has to be a link with concussions and surgeries. I've had 6 surgeries on wrecked joints (elbow, shoulder, knees) and cut my thumb off (re-attached)--I can tell you first hand, going under anesthesia is no joke and wreaks havoc on your brain afterwards. I have not felt the same since this last surgery. Not too mention, the 2 diagnosed concussions I've had.
The link with McGaza is--that this high school girl went into cardiac arrest mid volley ball game--suddenly and unexplained (saw it on the news) and she had had shoulder surgery sometime before her medical event. I'm sure Mcgaza had surgeries as well and it's just coincidental---but it's got me thinking.
@feeblesmith Yeah good point...I wasn't really adding that into the equation--as I am a medical cannabis user. Pain medication is horrible on the body and numbs everything--even feelings.
I hope you moderators whip out the ban button for some of the a*sholes in the "below threshold" section. Have a little respect people damn. RIP Dave...glad people are talking about the impacts of CTE, and I fear the possibility of this becoming a trend for our aging action sports athletes.
Sorry for your loss buddy, If you need to release some steam or just have a chat pm me mate,I know i'm a complete stranger to you, but lost my dad a few years ago too,so know what it's like to loose your "go to man" stay strong and all my best
@milfiger people like you give me hope for humanity, reaching out to a stranger across the pond that you can identify with and might be able to help. And @ FriedRys stay strong and know that better days are on the horizon, even if they're hard to see right now
Thank you *all, your well wishes are greatly appreciated. We had a Celebration of Life party today for my Dad. Was a moving experience. Expected around 50 guests, when nearly 200 showed up. It was an honor to see how many cared, I hope the Mirra family has the same support and love that I did.
Rest in peace, to a legend. If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you are encouraged to seek help through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-TALK FREE.
There has been a lot of talk lately about the nfl, concussions and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). I've always thought people who push the limits of these sports are the toughest guys in the world. I hope somehow this can end up helping other retired riders. This is devastating...
This was my thought exactly. You don't become the best BMX rider in the world without bashing your head a lot. I really hope his passing can be used as a catalyst across all sports to continue to push for technology and medical development so we can all do what we love.
We were driving thru KY today for our daughter to get ready to race BMX this weekend and my wife saw this news pop up on FB. Seriously in shock to hear this sad sad news. I remember watching Mirra dominate XGames for years. Dave Mirra was not short on talent by any means, he was a beast with everything he did. He will be sorely missed! Ride In Peace DM!
Holy *hit. I grew up watching this guy on X Games for like, 10 years. You'll be missed Dave by not only your family, but your fans and those you inspired to take off the training wheels and go for big!
Man this is devastating...Watching Dave Mirra ride bikes is what got me riding. Honestly changed my life. Thanks for all the inspiration. Rest in peace.
Speechless. I'm a 29 yo avg Joe up in Seattle and this is really hard to take. Currently posting from the sauna at the gym so nobody can distinguish my tears from sweat.
Sweet dreams brother.
I sure hope that his wife will allow a full autopsy and with that a quick peak in his knoggin. I'm willing to bet he had one screwed up noodle from all of his head hits over the years. Post traumatic brain injury is more of a concern than most mountain bikers realize. This is a very sad loss to his friends family and fans. Rest well Dave.
R.I.P. I dont know very much about you Dave but as someone who struggles with depression and suicidal thought I know what it feels like to be at that point. Rest easy brother and know that you are loved.
RIP Dave, you changed BMX for the better, forever. Anyone in this dark, dark place of mental prison, please reach out to someone...gone are the days when you are supposed to man-up or 'get over it'.
With todays story on Nyquist I couldn't help thinking about the Miracle Man too. Very saddening, especially with the loss of McGazza still barely setting in. A phenomenal rider. My sympathies to family and friends.
I'm truly devastated over the loss of my childhood hero Dave Mirra. He was a true inspiration for me when I was young, he's the reason why I picked up a bike and wanted to jump curbs and do wheelies.. I got the love of bicycles from you Dave, you showed me a side of the world I would have never seen if I wasn't on a bike. 99% of my friends I have today are because I grew up loving bikes and I want to thank you for what you have done for the sport of BMX and also for showing me my true passion in life. I will never give up the love for riding BMX bikes. Rest easy my friend. Your family will be in my prayers. Tell Colin winklemann, Mike Tagliavento, Randy Taylor an Dane searls we all miss them down here. ‪#‎ripdavemarria‬ ‪#‎ripkellyMcGarry‬.
It's so unfortunate that the people we need more of in the world are likely to be the people who are hard enough on themselves to not be able to handle life.
And those who can't see they're the people doing the world and those around them harm, Would never look so deep into themselves or at life in general to come up hard against the realities of depression and suicide.
Don't judge this situation if you don't have relatable experience.
Any loss of life is a sad thing. I wish the best to Dave's family and friends as they work to organize this tragedy. Suicide and mental health are topics that need more discussion within our society. Especially amongst males. If you believe someone you know is at risk for suicide: ASK THEM. Be direct. "Have you had thoughts of killing yourself?" Asking will not put the idea in their head or increase the likelihood of acting on suicidal ideation. Do not chastise or refer to their thoughts as stupid. When faced with intense emotional or physical pain people seek to end it. Suicide is one way to do this. Also, depression and pain narrow ones focus. Compassion and connection are essential. I work with adolescent's at risk and train suicide risk assessment and intervention. Suicide and self injury are not easy topics for many as the desire to hurt or kills oneself seems to go so strongly against our basic survival instincts. As such, those expressing suicidal ideation can be met with repulsion, dismissal or other negative feelings from that anxiety within ourselves. Though we may have these feelings, honoring the person and remaining available to them can be a huge help. If they do endorse suicidal ideation, help them to connect with the necessary services. In BC for youth we have Child and Youth Mental Health and the Crisis Line. Some communities have more specialized services (Victoria BC has Project Alive for acutely suicidal youth). If you don't feel someone is safe, bring them to the Emergency Room where a psyc nurse can assess. Dave Mirra's death is tragic and I don't assume to know any of the circumstances behind it. I do know that suicide robs too many wonderful lives from us and there is more we can be doing.
I rode a Hoffman Deebo, Chad Kagy's bike back in the day, but Mirra and Hoffman were THE legends of the sport, the two people who I could not imagine absent from it.
Wow, just had an elated flashback to my childhood this morning seeing Ryan Nyquists name on here joining the MTB scene...now another name appears that takes me way back to my early riding days...only wish it was similar circumstances as the first.
I don't know when or where it was, but a line of his in an interview MANY years ago to this day sticks out in my mind.
(paraphrase) "When I turned 16 and everyone else was getting obsessed with their cars, I just wanted to ride my bike"
Horrible news, thanks for all of the inspiration over the years! RIP
He's truly a legend and has been involved in BMX since nearly the beginning. Through all the trends and and changes he has shown he can adapt and progress and was an ambassador to the sport he loved.
I remember as a kid when my family was visiting North Carolina we stumbled into his house or a house that looked like his house and it made my whole week. I didn't even have to see him, yet just the idea of being that close to meeting him made me so happy. He got me into biking and this death hit me hard. RIP Mirra
Seriously crazy, I can't believe this. He was a huge inspiration to me and one of the major reason I ever got into biking. Playing Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2 all day on the PS2, jammin out to the great sound track with the friends is something I will never forget. I remember getting one of those Dave Mirra BMX figurrine's for Christmas along with the toy half pipe and playing with it for hours along with a dvd of his riding a watching it non stop!
I may have never been a BMX rider but he was my roots and why I got into mountain biking and for that I will always be grateful!
Ride in Peace man.
ride in peace .. i spent so many hours playing your games watching your videos admiring everything you do.. why would you do such unthinkable thing will be a mystery for me.. guess part of growing up is not knowing everything and accepting things that lack any sense of logic but a person giving so much to the world his whole life and doing such selfish thing at the end is beyond any reason and even if i have to be a child i don't want to accept this ...
RIP Dave...thanks for the awesomeness! Now to lift up his family, especially his kids during this time. Depression is real & is a demon to those through various vices. Thank you PinkBike for adding the Prevention Hotline and Samaritans contact information.
I just want give a huge shout out to Pinkbike for being one of the only media outlets I've seen, mtb or mainstream, for supplying support line numbers with this tragic news.
Guys, girls, talk to someone please if you are feeling alone or in a dark place. People will help you.
I rode with Mirra several times when I was at Woodward. He was so good you were almost embarrassed to ride around him. He was a great instructor and super cool guy. He just loved to ride and loved the sport. I was absolutely shocked to hear about his death and the manner of his death. Between riding, racing, and boxing I think CTE could have definitely been a contributing factor. Sad to here and he will definitely be missed.
Once you start going down the dark road of depression it's almost impossible to come back. Inless you do the hardest thing i ever did and tell your loved ones that you want to kill your self and need their help.
PLEASE don't think having depression makes you any less of a man
RIP Dave, at highschool bmx has helped me change a lot, if it was not for bmx I may have not got out from gangs and street life, I gained a lot of self confidence as I progressed at flat land, I then transitioned to MTB during college, the only name that have sticked to my mind is Dave Mirra when I think of BMX, gone to soon! will be missin you! Prayers for the bereaved family..
I was never really a bmx guy at all, but Dave Mirra was probably my fav bike rider. I even liked his part on MTV cribs, he just seemed like a regular guy mostly. I know he had a video on youtube called secret warehouse session or something where he just tore up this skatepark, unreal.
Sad he is gone, prayers for his family. He was one of the greats, irreplaceable..
This really should be a wake up call to the people in our community about mental health issues guys. Have a lot of awesome friends that suffer in silence thinking they'll seem like fools or outcasts. People say how can this happen but it happens everyday and doesn't need too. I wish someone could have gotten to him before this happened. Again Rest in peace brother and I hope you passing like this can save the next soul that just needs someone to reach out and grab a hold of them, thoughts go out to his wife and daughters
So sad, condolences to family and loved ones. A great guy and icon of the sport who pushed the limit of possible. I was lucky enough to have met him at inter bike many years back when he was in his twenties. Wicked nice guy. RIP.
RIP - what a shame he had some phenomenal skills on a bike and my favourite all time bike was his red signature Blammo. Actually just looked him up yesterday for the first time in decades after the Nyquist post and now this, tragic
Whatever the reasons or cause for this, it's an utter loss. For someone to have such an effect on so many people regardless of whether they met him (or even follow BMX) is testament to the influence he had on the sport.
I grew up watching Mirra contesting X Games, played for hours on Mirra BMX on the playstation and then went outside trying to recreate the moves (with the obvious consequences). Along with DMC, Lavin and Lyons he shaped how I wanted to ride from a young age.
Dave - I didn't know you personally but your passing has had a profound effect. My thoughts are with your family and loved ones.
Terrible news. Perhaps he's swapping tricks with Kelly now. Maybe they'll put on some Earth, Wind and Fire while they jam. All I know is it just got very wild up there. 3
If you folks ever find yourself in that dark corner, please reach out. Call or text a friend. Heck, you could ring my doorbell at 4am and I'd be happy to take you in (I've taken 4am international calls for my military friends) Just find someone, somewhere who can help. Life is always better when you give it a chance, trust me, I've been there.
He was a hero and pushed the limits of human potential. My condolences to his family and friends. He will continue to be a great inspiration. The way in which he died is completely outshined by the way he lived.
Sad week for the bike community. I looked up to Dave a lot as a kid. Sad to see him go. Some angels don't need wings to fly, kelly and Dave are certainly shredding, wherever they've moved on to.
Wow. I was never into BMX but I remembered how much he dominated X games growing up. I was just reading how he turned into a triathlete too. RIP to a legend and super talented guy.
just watched a tone of Miras videos and on a sight it said he was not dead...It was some web site makeing shit up. That is not cool at all...Someone please found out the truth...
Watched this guy for years kill it at X games, time and time again. Another Pioneer of the sport lost but his legacy will never die. My thoughts and condolences to his friends & family. Another sad day RIP Dave Mirra
Thoughts to those who lost their wonderful family members and to all bicycle communities who have lost two inspirational sons. May they rest in peace and ride forever in the clouds above.
I'd risk the fall
Just to know how it feels to fly
Dave Mirra
hopefully you have found the peace in the next life that you couldn't find in this one
Rest in peace friend
What a heart breaking day. I started biking when I was 10 because of Dave Mirra. Saw him in the X games and it made me want to start BMX. 19 years later I am still biking. He was the reason I got into the sport. Sad day
Just so sad that 2 good dudes are gone at such a young age... Certainly makes you appreciate every day with your family and friends we should never take life for granted. RIP Kelly and Dave
it doesnt matter what you believe, it matters that when you know someone who is struggling with thoughts in suicide you are there to prevent it from happening and continue to support them.
First Mcgazza, now Mira? whats wrong with this month or even this week? Two legends? My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends...#Rideinparadise!!!
Rip Dave. I wish you would have talked to someone before you made this decision but we still love ya and will never forget what you showed/taught us bike people.
It's like you think taking a hard fall or bad crash really hurts and then something like this happens to remind you how to feel again.
nothing else to say speechless
Miracle Boy. What a sin! Suicide can be tragic. Anyone with these thoughts should remember. Tomorrows a new day and your never truly alone! People care.
so sad for his family and his daughters.... to leave your family out of pure selfishness, is a horrible thing to do. as much of a "star" he was, there was other ways to deal with problems than to take your own life. #SHAMEFUL
People of sound mind don't kill themselves because of infidelity in a relationship. Ignorant statements like this, particularly in this case when you have no factual basis for your statement, does nothing but take focus away from the real issue which is Dave's mental state and the stigma that is still attached to mental illness in our society. Grow up a bit realize that the man was in a deep dark place and had been for a long while. He did not kill himself over the equivalent of stupid high school drama such as a cheating spouse. People need to be aware and know the signs of mental illness and its symptoms so they are more able to help those in need find the proper assistance to prevent these sorts of actions.
Actually, Yes. People do and I will never understand why and I never said he did but just a mere thought and I am gonna leave it at that. My sister was friends with him and my nephew hung out with him and the crew a lot since they lived near him in Greenville. I didn't mean to upset anyone by my post nor did I mean any harm. Regardless He is a Legend and will be missed by all. I will say that it is very hard for people with mental illness to get assistance. I see it all the time, been a LEO for 17yrs now and it never gets better but only worse. RIP Miracle Man...
Dick move! Wife and two kids. Now they have to deal with growing up without a dad and husband. Guy was clearly a narcissist. Sorry, he was a bike legend but could not handle dealing with the life he created. If you feel, suicidal please get help. Don't make the survivors suffer. It is so wrong to let your kids grow up with this type of pain. F#$ked up Dave!
this a very narrow-minded view of a very complex situation - anyone of us on a REALLY! bad day can make a mistake we regret for the rest of our lives, just sometimes these mistakes can't be undone. You can't judged someone's whole life for the one dark moment
The guy had two kids and a wife. He ruined their lives along with his own. He killed himself in the driveway of a friends house who had a 10 year old son who was his biggest fan. This was a statement to punish. He could have disappeared and killed himself somewhere where a small child couldn't find him.
To add to my currently negative comment above this one. I mean that as no offense to Dave. You can see me defending why a great man like Mirra would come to this conclusion in other comment chains on this page. It wasn't Dave would did this to himself, it was the result off too much head trauma, and eventually that trauma became too much for the brain. So it ended it's self. I love the guy so f*cking much and I've never met him. Sorry if I offended anybody with this comment or the one I made about 20 hours ago. I've already rationalized why my friends have killed themselves, and I feel like it's no different with Dave. They we're all in a very dark place, and suicide seemed like the best option out. I can't even begin to imagine the pain.
ya this guy should get no respect .. he shot him self.. i mean come on pinkbikers... self inflicted selfishness..... and i hate to see kellys name by this guy who shot himself ... may kelly rest in peace
@chettjames - maybe you would understand if you had loved ones who have lived through aggressive depression or any other severe, traumatic disease. saying suicide is selfish is, in itself, very selfish and shortsighted. these people truly believe death is the only answer, and that their family would be better off without them living. you can blame those who commit suicide as much as you want, but that's the easy way of unloading grief.
I don't think you have a full comprehension of why somebody would do this to themselves. There are chemicals in your head that are imbalanced, at pretty much no fault of your own other than hitting your head too much, as is the guess from most of us. That chemical imbalance causes you to think wildly irrationally. It's not like the guy had nothing to live for, a rational, sane person would come to the conclusions that yes, life is hard, but it's worth it, but when you're at the helm of the chemical reactions in your brain, the option of ending it all truly seems like the best option. Dave literally pulverized the neurotransmitters that are responsible for rational decision making, into his skull EVERY TIME he concussed himself.
Completely agree with you @joebmx88 on that one. People don't understand the consequences of hitting your head. It may not have instant real world ramifications, but they eventually catch up. There's been a huge amount of research that's went into concessions, and im fairly sure it's going to play a big part in how sports are regulated in the coming few years. People don't just kill themselves, or murder loved ones. American football is a prime example. Some people may need to think again, before they make irrational comments.
@pike-x1 Look up chronic traumatic encephalopathy... you definitely can blame (some) mental issues on hitting your head repeatedly. There's a reason this is a big issue in contact sports right now.
Dude, on behalf of everyone, F*CK YOU! Gain some life experience, and stop irrationally voicing your opinion. Do you know anyone who's committed suicide? Do you know anyone who's had brain trauma? Have you ever read a book? No, but really, how hard is it for you to just admit, you were wrong in saying what you said? Not everything in life, is as simple as what you're going to wear the next day. Suicide and depression is no joke, and you shouldn't be treating it as such. You've had multiple people give you straight facts, but yet you still felt the need to reply with an opinion, not a fact, but opinion.
Yes you little shit it does mean you can't resist killing yourself or having a rational thought. Do the world a favor and take your education seriously.
One day depression will catch up to you. I can't see someone such as yourself, not falling down them stairs. In that moment, i want you to remember back to this comment, and realise how deep in shit you're covered with. After you're done with that, i want you to call a helpline, and begin cleaning that shit off of yourself slowly.
Ok ok. Easy I think we all need a little peace and understanding. Mental illness is very complicated and so is grief. Suicide is impossible to comprehend especially when we are younger. Sometimes it is a gut and even cultural reaction to blame the victim; "the cowards way out' but Its so much more complicated than that. Depression whether caused by CTE or another factor is a Medical illness and needs to be treated by a Doctor.
@pike-x1 if you've really been humbled and are sincerely sorry send me a pm this spring and I'll show you around my local trails, Blue Mountain Reservation.
@nohyphens well yes I have been there in the aftermath of a suicide situation where the person left two sons a wife and 4 grandkids behind to ponder why their whole lives. It is the easier decision to end it rather than fight for it. So it doesn't really matter to me if I get neg propped for speaking the truth, I'm sad he did it but more mad for the family left behind that will never get to enjoy their fathers/husbands company as we all grow old together.
I'll be downvoted to oblivion, but that's an asshole move. I understand mental disorders, but in the end he left a wife and two kids with a shitshow that he doesn't have to deal with.
It's sad, and I wonder what he was dealing with to make that decision seem attractive. We all have our demons, and I guess some of them have us even more. RIP Dave
@hllclmbr You clearly don't understand depression. Those with depression are mentally ill and believe their friends and family will be better off without them. He wasn't being selfish, he was sick
If you pulverized the neurotransmitters responsible for rational decision making into your skull like Dave did every time he concussed himself, you'd come to the same irrational conclusion to end it all. You're comment is being down voted because you're an ignorant asshole.
These thought in a person's head don't come up out the blue, they have been there the whole time and they hide them well....... And yes they are selfish but as a sane person their shoes don't fit on our feet and we will never know their pain...... I'm guessing with your comment you haven't dealt with a person in his situation, so please have respect for people who have
@hllclmbr, I work for the mentaly ill, depression is a ticking time bomb, it would take you out in an instant!!! To the bicycle community if you know of someone struggling with depression and suicide please do call 1800 273 8255...
Depression is a cloud that comes down and turns everything you see and hear into dark grey shit, a chain mail falls on your chest and self sabotage kicks in. The recurring, confident voice in your head: "there is no escape, there is no escape, I just can't deal with it anymore, it's too much, please make it stop". Suicide is always somewhere there on depressed persons mind, but this one time the cloud may be just too heavy, for too long and there may be no one around to save him/her. Sometimes all it takes for it to come down is a common cold, forgetting to eat lunch, car that won't start. Depression is a horrible bitch, I don't even want to imagine how powerful she can be if you do make it to the point where you hold a gun against your head.
Down vote or whatever, but that's bullshit. Leave behind your family like that? I don't understand the thoughts you have that lead you to end your own life, but what a selfish action. I've lost all respect for Mirra. Coward.
And you're a coward for not having the strength and decency to keep your insensitive thoughts to yourself. You've obviously never dealt with depression or known someone who has. Will you be here apologizing if it's determined he had CTE?
@ splsce - It may be cowardly but mental health illnesses are 100% real and can be a factor in ones actions even if they seem to 'have it all' from the outside. I don't know Dave or his issues but this is hard to make sense of. Thoughts and condolences to his family and friends. He was an icon and legend. Please encourage anyone you know of who is having similar thoughts to talk it out with family, friends and a mental health professional.
It's a mental disorder, something that cannot always be controlled, similar to addiction. I have more of a problem with people who think they know the solutions for everyone else without ever taking a step in their shoes.
As much as I don't like the Kardashians, we don't need to say this. I hate to be this guy but wishing death on others isn't cool. Believe me, I wish we could have helped him in his tough mindset but it overwhelmed him. It's super unfortunate. RIP Dave
Not only a legend and inspiration to many of us but an icon in his home town.
www.witn.com/home/headlines/Greenville-police-investigate-apparent-suicide-involving-Dave-Mirra-367748001.html
The worst feeling is when you get depressed but you dont know why. You know you are a happy person but when you go to bed it all just spins. But know everything is good with some hormones for the thyroid. But that feeling will i never forget
...I called it, but you will never know what real depression is. People say that term so loosely that its sometimes over looked and not taken seriously. I know what it is and it not the same as being BORED for 1 year... You will/may never know, so its better you not speak about the subject or else you may sound ignorant...
Bottom line is that it's not simply about wearing a helmet or not. No matter what helmet you wear, if you fall on your head bunch of times you are going to damage your brain.
RIP Dave Mirra
Helmets absorb force from the foam compressing after a certain amount of force is applied. So anything under the force required to compress the foam is not absorbed. There's a certain amount of force (I can't remember the exact number off the top of my head, something like 80 g's or so) that it takes to make the brain run into the inside of the skull (this is what causes a concussion). The harder the brain runs into the skull, the more severe the concussion. When you hit your head wearing a helmet and the foam is compressed, the helmet is working and slowing down how hard your brain hits the inside of the skull, and preventing your concussion from being as bad as it could have been.
Now the problem with most helmets is that the minimum amount of force required for the helmets foam to compress is actually higher than the minimum amount of force required to cause a concussion. The thing is, you can get mild concussions and severe concussions, and even worse. So while a modern helmet won't help to prevent mild to even moderate concussions, it will absolutely do it's job in protecting you from anything worse than that. Those higher impacts are the ones that can kill you or cause brain damage. Protecting yourself from those is absolutely essential, and you can't do that without wearing a helmet.
It would be possible to make a helmet that protects against all concussions and worse, but with current helmet technology if would have to be really big to have the required amount of foam at a soft enough density to do the job. Hopefully with new technology there will be ways to prevent all concussions.
I am no scientist but it is quite obvious to me that helmet can decrease severity of concussion, even if only slightly (I did read about the CET research) Proving an example by riding without a helmet - workoholism and chronic insomnia got on his head, he probably forgot about the issue that hard surface can definitely do to your head: skull fracture. To paraphrase Prof. Lawrence Krauss - "If some idea sounds too stupid to be true then it probably is stupid"
His argument is more about the perception that drivers have of road cyclists who wear helmets and the increase in recklessness that ensues. Very little to do with BMX, especially considering the difference in protection offered between high end extreme sport helmets and the ones he is referring to
RIP Mirra,
RIP McGarry,
RIP Lemmy,
RIP Bowie,
RIP Wogan,
And we're barely into Feb......WTF?
Thoughs going out to all their family and friends all will be missed but never forgotten
RIP Dave.
Gone but not forgotten.
Dave Mirra, may you rest in peace.
David Michael Mirra was born on April 4, 1974, in the small New York town of Chittenango. His parents divorced when he was 5, and he was raised by his dad. As most kids do, Dave was riding his bike around the town, and he noticed some kids riding BMX. He and his friends and brother began building wooden jumps and began making his own tricks. Within a couple years, Freestyle BMX took off in the world, and Dave got noticed at around age 13 for his flatland racing ability. Mirra was hooked, and he and his friends urged each other on and were seldom seen without their bikes.
"Anything you want to get better at is a commitment. Without commitment, there would be no success." - Dave Mirra
BMX is not my sport, but this seemed appropriate.
Dude...there has to be a link with concussions and surgeries. I've had 6 surgeries on wrecked joints (elbow, shoulder, knees) and cut my thumb off (re-attached)--I can tell you first hand, going under anesthesia is no joke and wreaks havoc on your brain afterwards. I have not felt the same since this last surgery. Not too mention, the 2 diagnosed concussions I've had.
The link with McGaza is--that this high school girl went into cardiac arrest mid volley ball game--suddenly and unexplained (saw it on the news) and she had had shoulder surgery sometime before her medical event. I'm sure Mcgaza had surgeries as well and it's just coincidental---but it's got me thinking.
stay strong and all my best
I don't know when or where it was, but a line of his in an interview MANY years ago to this day sticks out in my mind.
(paraphrase) "When I turned 16 and everyone else was getting obsessed with their cars, I just wanted to ride my bike"
Horrible news, thanks for all of the inspiration over the years! RIP
m.youtube.com/watch?v=84kw-zjio_0
Thank you for inspiring so many to get out and ride a bike.
I grew up watching Mirra contesting X Games, played for hours on Mirra BMX on the playstation and then went outside trying to recreate the moves (with the obvious consequences). Along with DMC, Lavin and Lyons he shaped how I wanted to ride from a young age.
Dave - I didn't know you personally but your passing has had a profound effect. My thoughts are with your family and loved ones.
If you folks ever find yourself in that dark corner, please reach out. Call or text a friend. Heck, you could ring my doorbell at 4am and I'd be happy to take you in (I've taken 4am international calls for my military friends) Just find someone, somewhere who can help. Life is always better when you give it a chance, trust me, I've been there.
youtu.be/jB8CCSEkGhs
Another Pioneer of the sport lost but his legacy will never die.
My thoughts and condolences to his friends & family.
Another sad day
RIP Dave Mirra
Can't imagine what his family is going through.
Rip Dave mirra
RIP Dave
2016 started f*cked !!!!!!
My condolences to family of Mirra .
Gone but Not forgotten :-(
#SHAMEFUL
Matt Hoffman
Suicide is impossible to comprehend especially when we are younger. Sometimes it is a gut and even cultural reaction to blame the victim; "the cowards way out' but Its so much more complicated than that.
Depression whether caused by CTE or another factor is a Medical illness and needs to be treated by a Doctor.
But I'll comment anyway like the armchair expert/ keyboard warrior that I am...