Jordie Lunn Passes Away After Crash in Mexico
We are heartbroken to report that Canadian mountain bike legend Jordie Lunn has passed away at 36.
The racer-turned-freerider passed away after a crash while trail riding in Mexico on October 9th, 2019. He was riding in Cabo San Lucas with his friends Darren Berrecloth, Brayden Barrett-Hay, and Greg Watts. Jordie's friendliness, gentle nature, and exuberance for life will be remembered by the entire mountain bike community.
Originally from Parksville, B.C, Jordie got into mountain biking through XC, but his career began in earnest as a DH racer. He was the fastest Canadian at Mont-Sainte-Anne in 2003, as well as the highest ranked North American DH racer in the World Cup standings that year. Shifting his focus to freeriding in films like Ride to the Hills, The Collective, ROAM, and more, he was the first mountain biker to land a corked 720 in 2007. He competed at Crankworx, Red Bull Rampage, and on nearly every stage in freeride mountain biking.
Photo by Sterling Lorence.
The tree roll from Rough AF blew minds. Photo by Margus Riga.
A signature cork 7 down in the desert. Photo by Ale Di Lullo.
Living in Victoria, BC and splitting his time between riding, coaching, and trail work, Jordie told us back in 2016 that he rode for himself and "all the kids that scream 'do a backflip!'."
Since his big budget film days, Jordie had a resurgence in recent years, self-producing wildly popular video parts like Rough AF and making appearances at the freeride events like Rampage and the Fest Series. He's been a friend, coach, and mentor to many up-and-coming riders, and inspired countless more.
Photo by Sterling Lorence.
Photo by Ale Di Lullo.
<Deleted photo>
Photo by Margus Riga.
Jordie's appearance was intimidating; a big man, covered in tattoos, gold teeth, and always wearing the most ridiculous kit on the mountain. But that was in stark contrast to his gentle nature and pure friendliness. It didn't matter if you were a fellow pro, a guy in a suit, or a young fan, he had time for you.
His enthusiasm was always infectious, and his outlook always positive. There are few people in this world so universally loved and respected by their peers and fans. The kids he coached absolutely loved him.
Jordie coaching at Summer Gravity Camps in 2012. Photo by Sterling Lorence.
Jordie Lunn is survived by his parents Bonnie and Brian Lunn, his brothers Craig and Jarrett Lunn, and his girlfriend Caitlin Larsen.
Our thoughts are with Jordie's friends, family, and loved ones. We count ourselves lucky to have known him. We'll remember Jordie as a relentlessly positive presence in mountain biking.
We will miss him.
JORDIE THOMAS LUNN
On Wednesday, October 9, 2019, Jordie was trail riding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with friends.
We are shattered to inform you, a simple but tragic accident occurred and Jordie sustained a fatal head injury.
Jordie lost his life doing exactly what he loved.
Jordie had an incredible 20+ year career as a mountain biker. He will always be cherished for his heart and love that he gave to his family, friends, and fans, as well as the incredible talent that he had on his bikes.
We will inform you at a later date regarding a celebration of his life.
With love: Brian, Bonnie, Craig, Jarrett Lunn, and our large, loving families.
On Wednesday, October 9, 2019, Jordie was trail riding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with friends.
We are shattered to inform you, a simple but tragic accident occurred and Jordie sustained a fatal head injury.
Jordie lost his life doing exactly what he loved.
Jordie had an incredible 20+ year career as a mountain biker. He will always be cherished for his heart and love that he gave to his family, friends, and fans, as well as the incredible talent that he had on his bikes.
We will inform you at a later date regarding a celebration of his life.
With love: Brian, Bonnie, Craig, Jarrett Lunn, and our large, loving families.
 | Jordie to me was a part of my family as I was a part of his. He was a brother to me as we grew up in a small town with nothing other than our parents' love and our determination to ride bikes, have fun, and get rad. Whether it was lighting each other’s hair on fire or chasing each other around with a potato cannon, we islanders always have done things our own way. Jordie was one of a f*cking kind. The sibling of two brothers that, if you had the pleasure of knowing the trio of bandits at the household, you were always on your toes around as you never knew what kind of shenanigans were about to go down. I’ve loved Jordie as a brother from the moment we became riding buddies, as biking will build that bond in friends. He was always an inspiration to me to be honest, his ability to see the positive in everything when I was down was uplifting. He had the heart of a lion and the hug of a grizzly bear. This loss to his family, his fans, and everyone that had the beautiful opportunity to meet this amazing individual we call our brother, will be felt for years to come as “legends never die” and Jordie f*cking Lunn in my heart will never ever be forgotten!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ #longlivejordie #longlivechainsaw |
| GUTTED. We lost a human that you hope everyone could be like. If he doesn’t make it to heaven then heaven doesn’t f*cking exist. I had the pleasure of spending his last few hours alive with him along with @dberrecloth @braydenbarretthay and @lone_wolf_productions and he was truly enjoying what he loved. Perfect day of riding in a perfect location. Just didn’t seem real and I still can’t grasp it. My condolences go out to his family because I know he loved his brothers and I know he was their glue. #longlivejordie |
| This still doesn’t feel real at all. Our Mexico trip went sideways and we lost such a legend and one of the sickest kindest dudes in MTB, someone I’ve idolized since the day I started riding!!! "ROAM" his back yard jumps was something that drove me down the path i’m on now! My condolences to his family, friends and the entire mtb community! RIP Jord! |
Photo by Margus Riga.
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In later years I worked with Jordie on Jumpship and I got to know another side of him as we developed our vision for what that event could be. Jordie insisted that it be challenging, the jumps had to be hard, not just good for tricking - he would accept nothing less. And when arguably better riders sat around discussing the jumps; could it be done? Did it need more dirt here, or less lip there - Jordie just sent them and shut everyone up. That vision, and his determination are front and centre in his Rough AF edits.
Despite his many accomplishments his most inspiring acts will always be his kindness to others and his relentless pursuit of good times - which he approached with the same vision he took to riding.
RIP Jord, you will be missed.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNAY4gINaFg
Ride in peace Jordie.
Such a shame and I can't actually believe it. Shred hard AF up there dude XXX
RIP
O Icarus of the fearless flight
For the greatest tragedy of them all
Is never to feel the burning light.”
― Oscar Wilde
RIP Jordie.
The forest will forever honour your memory Jordie.
I want to thank you for being an ambassador to the sport. For being a roll model to our groms, hosting bike camps etc on Bear MTN. For being the first to send it!!!
Thank you for your contribution s in helping open and promote Bear MTN bike park and trails.
I will forever remember rolling up to the bike park for the first time only to be greeted by you. You took two hours to talk, walk the lines, etc I felt nervous as hell riding there solo with you, the big dawg, but you cheered me on and provided tips to some features. I was so stoked!
I rode Bear MTN last night (w lights) for the first time and I finished with an overwhelming sense of gratitude to have trails of this calibre in my backyard. Next lap there, I'm dedicating to you.
Jordie's a stand up guy, amazing rider, trail blazer, and a kind soul. RIP Jordie, say hi to Stevie.
#RoughAFforever
#LongLiveChainsaw
#longliveJordie
So tragic
I also have to say, it really frustrated me when I was coaching high schoolers how often I would have kids who were riding in a fairly basic, 5 year old helmet they'd crashed on because they couldn't afford a new one with MIPs or a full face; I know the manufacturer has to make a buck but helmets are outrageously expensive for a piece of mandatory safety gear. I know often times avalanche beacons are super cheap to rent because we don't want people to die; I feel that a similar practice should exist for helmet pricing.
RIP Jordie
Jordie said in his beyond the bike interview something like " i think my worst injury is the 15 or so concussions"
I think it is foolish and doing the community a disservice for the community to act surprised when time runs out for people who choose to live there life this way.
I would not be suprised, nor would those who knew me, if i succumbed to head injuries, after all the hits.
Society is not encouraging so much tackle football, boxing, street fighting, etc to little kids because smashing your head into things, with our without a helmet, even as an adult male, but especially as a child with an undeveloped brain who is the responsibility of adults, is just asking for traumatic brain injuries.
I dont want to live in a nanny state, but it seems ironic that people are so concerned about childrens wellfare, not locking them in hot cars, letting them wander alone at night etc, but pinkbike and society generally has no qualm with sending some child whos skulls growth plates havent even begin to fuse down steeps and drops.
my point here is really basically, dont act friggin surprised when the time comes that you or someone you know who engages in this behaviour dies. every high level shredder must know they are going to suffer serious injuries over and over again throughout their career,
Ride on, Jordie.
Please let us know of any way to help the family or support Jordie's legacy.
#longlivejordie
#longlivechainsaw
Jordie Lunn was a wonderful human being.
I had the pleasure of speaking to Jordie a few times over the years. CGP, Fest events (I was a spectator he a competitor), and a few times he was a customer at the store. He was a warm and wonderful person which was such a funny juxtaposition from his physical appearance.
Love forever Jordie Lunn RIP and my thoughts are with his family and close friends at this difficult time.
You've been a true inspiration on the bike to me for over 20 years and you'll live on forever in my memories.
#RoughAFforever
#longliveChainsaw
RIP
One of the nicest doods I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. It was truly humbling to see some of your Rough AF stunts in person. Absolutely mind blowing. You were an amazing ambassador for our sport, and have had a huge influence in the local Vancouver Island Mountain Bike Scene. Another legend gone way to early. My heart goes out to his friends, family and loved ones.
#longlivejordie
His and McGazza's deaths reminds us that tragedy doesn't just come from the biggest drops or the gnarliest lines but also from somewhere we least expect it. Always remember to keep safe no matter the ride.
#LongLiveJordie
Terrible news. Sorry to his friends and family =(
#longlivejordie
RIP Jordie
#longlivejordie
#rockstarsforjordie
ep1.pinkbike.org/p6pb17496726/p6pb17496726.jpg
Snif !
Yet all experience is an arch wherethro'
Gleams that untravell'd world whose margin fades
For ever and forever when I move.
How dull it is to pause, to make an end,
To rust unburnish'd, not to shine in use!
As tho' to breathe were life! Life piled on life
Were all too little
Rip Jordie
Thanks for taking the time to say hi and chat with a fan last year at rampage, I'm sure you had other things to think about including a stressful event. Bummed we won't see rough AF 4 BUT, your positivity and determination to send will live on through all of us.
Rough af sends in the afterlife ????????
Enduro tracks seem to be getting more technical. Think of all the pro DH riders sidelined right now. Does social media push us to do things we may otherwise avoid?
I would hate to see something happen at Rampage this year. It seems that Rampage is all about pushing the limits but the consciences for those limits is only getting more severe. You can have a sloppy run at Rampage but if the tricks are big and the most extreme then you still score high.
I'd rather see a few broken collarbones on Val di Sole's roots than a 70kmh cartwheel on an open section of Les Gets or MSA.
dude with face tats and was a bit timid
True legend , rest easy
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mti2aGmQeE
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmjH9Zb0Xcg
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNAY4gINaFg
RIP Jordie
#longliveJordie
I think Jordie lived life to the fullest.
My condolences to Bonnie and her family and his friends.
Canada just lost another beauty
and it reminds me to take EVERY ride seriously!
I had a heartattack st the age of 37 ß while bering on a bike tour.
#longlivejordi
#longlivechainsaw
#LongLiveJordie
Rest easy
Rest in Heaven bro you are a mountain bike god. I know a few cats up there who are waiting too shred.
live to ride=dig to live=ride to survive.
Someone should add a link
In the green hair @12:55
RIP Jordie.. you will always be remembered. Deepest condolences to his family.
#longliveJordie
#longlivejordie
He truly was an inspiration, rest in peace Jordie.
#RoughAFForever
Condolences to his family & friends
Rest in peace bro.
#RoughAFForever
I hope he is riding trails up in heaven.
RIP Jordie #longlivejordie
#LongLiveJordie
Ive actually got no words. Condolences to family and loved ones.
/Ride in Peace
My condolences to the family.
#longliveJordie
God bless the family, friends.
Damnit man????????
#longlivejordie
#longlivechainsaw
Ride In Peace brother.
R I P
rest in peace
#longlivejordie
#longlivejordie
#LONGLIVECHAINSAW
Most of these reports don’t even mention the nature of the injury.
But for the Love of Jebus, he f*cking DIED, he didn't "pass away". What the f*ck does pass away mean? MF is a gangster and the MF is dead. Period. Full stop.
I am getting sick of reading about these awesome athletes dying for our entrainment. I am actually nervous about watching rampage this year....
Everyone, please, have fun and stay safe out there.
In saying that somehow I doubt he was a man of faith(www.instagram.com/p/BpmkeEcHsRi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link), which in turn according to your religion destines him to and eternity of suffering. If that's how you see the world, as place where good people somehow earn themselves a place in hell then so be it. But I personally find such a view to be twisted, and A grade fear mongering.
But yeah what pigman65 said sums it up
#RoughAForver