Dave Mirra Dead At 41 From Apparent Suicide

Dave Mirra Dead At 41 From Apparent Suicide

Dave Mirra Dead At 41 From Apparent Suicide

North Carolina resident and BMX icon Dave Mirra is dead at 41.

Greenville police said they responded to a call for an apparent suicide around 4 p.m. on Thursday. Upon arrival to the home on Pinewood Road, officers found Mirra with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

According to police, Mirra was visiting friends in the area before the incident.

‘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,’ said City of Greenville Mayor Allen Thomas.

‘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.’

Dave Mirra

Dave Mirra

He is considered a trailblazer in the BMX world. He is credited with bringing the sport to the city of Greenville, now home to many professional BMX riders.

Mirra posted two Instagram photos shortly before he was found dead, one of him and his wife and a photo of himself riding his bike from high school.

‘My rock! Thank god,’ wrote Mirra alongside the photo of his wife.

The last photo, of himself riding his bike, was posted just moments before his body was discovered and said; ‘Rose high school Greenville Nc.’

He also posted a picture of himself boxing on Wednesday, writing; ‘Fight to win! We all have a battles to fight. Never back down. Love you all. #diewithyourbootson.’

ESPN, the broadcaster of X Games, released a statement paying tribute to Mirra. “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. “Our sincere condolences go out to Dave’s wife, Lauren, his daughters Mackenzie and Madison, the BMX community and friends of Dave Mirra.”

Mirra’s friend and fellow BMX rider TJ Lavin expressed his sorrow at the news. “I just wish he would have called me,” he told TMZ. “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.”

His family said that they would appreciate privacy during this very difficult time.

Mirra is survived by his wife and two children.

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.