BMX star Dave Mirra dies in apparent suicide
Police in North Carolina confirm the X Games biker was found dead with what they believe are self-inflicted gunshot wounds
BMX biker Dave Mirra has died in an apparent suicide, aged 41.
Greenville Police have confirmed the body of the X Games star was found in a truck in Greenville, North Carolina, on Thursday night with what are believed to be self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
He had been in the area visiting friends earlier in the day.
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"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."
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The father of two was one of extreme sports' biggest stars having won a medal at the X Games every year between 1995 - 2008, including 14 gold medals.
His record of 24 medals at the games made him the most decorated competitor in the event's history until 2013 when his medal tally was eventually broken by Bob Burnquist.
He leaves behind a wife and two children.
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Jack Elton-Walters hails from the Isle of Wight, and would be quick to tell anyone that it's his favourite place to ride. He has covered a varied range of topics for Cycling Weekly, producing articles focusing on tech, professional racing and cycling culture. He moved on to work for Cyclist Magazine in 2017 where he stayed for four years until going freelance. He now returns to Cycling Weekly from time-to-time to cover racing, review cycling gear and write longer features for print and online.