BMX legend Dave Mirra was found dead in a vehicle in North Carolina on Thursday afternoon in what police are investigating as an “apparent suicide,” according to police. He was 41 years old.
Officers found Mirra sitting in a truck with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police. He had been visiting friends in the area on Thursday.
Considered an icon in the pro-BMX world, Mirra, was instrumental in bringing the sport to Greenville, which now is home to more than 20 professional BMX riders. He 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. A young life with so much to offer was taken too soon,” said Greenville Mayor Allen Thomas.
The Greenville Police Department will be handling the death investigation.