Dave Mirra dies: BMX legend passes away aged 41 in apparent suicide

The BMX icon's body was found in his hometown of Greenville, North Carolina, on Thursday 

BMX legend Dave Mirra has died at the age of 41.

His body was found in his truck on Thursday afternoon following an apparent suicide, reports TMZ.
He had been visiting friends in the area a short time before the incident, Greenville Police said.

Dave was considered an icon in the BMX world and was also a skilled Sabaru Rally Team driver.


The star, who held the record for the most X Games medals until 2013, is survived by his wife Lauren and two daughters.

Mark Mainz/Getty Images for T-Mobile

Dave Mirra in action

Hours before his death, Dave shared a picture with his wife alongside the message: "My rock! Thank god."
He also shared a picture of himself riding a bike, captioned: "Rose high school Greenville Nc."

His body was discovered less than 1,000 feet from the school.

"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," City of Greenville Mayor Allen Thomas said in a satement.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

The star's body was found in Greenville, North Carolina, on Thursday

"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."


After the sad news broke, fellow BMX legend Carey Hart shared: "I'm in complete shock. Angry, heart broken and just sad at the passing of my friend Dave. Heart broken 4 his daughters and wife. #DaveMirra."

While T.J. Lavin told TMZ: "I just wish he would have called me. 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."




As well as sporting success, he hosted two seasons of MTV’s Real World/ Road Rules Challenge and also featured in the Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX video games series.


More recently he turned his attention to Ironman competitions and triathlons.

The Greenville Police Department will be handling the death investigation and will address media on Friday.