Dave Mirra, X-Games star, dead of apparent suicide

That may well be the true story, Karl.

There's about to be a huge rollout of NFL BS here this weekend, including the line about protecting the players.

After it was announced yesterday that Ken Stablers brain showed stage 3 CTE, and he was a quarterback...

Who? LOL! X-games isn't a sport. LOLOLOLOL!!!

Born & raised in Chittenango, NY. About a 30 - 45 minute drive from my home.

Shot himself in the head in his truck.

Unfortunately, people from all walks of life commit suicide.

May he rest in peace

 

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

Who? LOL! X-games isn't a sport. LOLOLOLOL!!!

 

Well, I realize that today's kids' sports may not be exactly Stick and Ball, but they're quite definitely "sports" by any definition. This guy was a hero to legions of young riders, and even seasoned veterans of BMX and Cycling of all genres knew his name and respected him. 

"Xtreme" sports even made it into theOlympics, where one of the stars there,--snowboarder Shaun White---has made literally millions with his gold medals' endorsement deals. It's not just throw-the-ball, catch-the-ball, run these days. There's a lot more individualism in it today,and that's a good thing in my view. 

In any case, I think that most people would say that his death should be respected, as was his life. 

the doog

 

 

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

Who? LOL! X-games isn't a sport. LOLOLOLOL!!!

 

 

 

Well, I realize that today's kids' sports may not be exactly Stick and Ball, but they're quite definitely "sports" by any definition. This guy was a hero to legions of young riders, and even seasoned veterans of BMX and Cycling of all genres knew his name and respected him. 

 

"Xtreme" sports even made it into theOlympics, where one of the stars there,--snowboarder Shaun White---has made literally millions with his gold medals' endorsement deals. It's not just throw-the-ball, catch-the-ball, run these days. There's a lot more individualism in it today,and that's a good thing in my view. 

In any case, I think that most people would say that his death should be respected, as was his life. 

 

Well said, Karl.

On the plus side he found something that he enjoyed and excelled at, the negatives are that something troubled him enough to end his life, a real tragedy, and he left his wife and children behind, even worse.

I sincerely hope he was able to leave them with resources sufficient to survive this, and I wish him the peace he was evidently seeking.

Patrick 

Several topics here, related yet unrelated, all brought together in one event.

Suicides- I have known a couple guys who ended their own lives for reasons of "honor" so to speak, and been to plenty of suicides as a first responder. Those happened for various reasons: health, romance gone bad, hopelessness due to various failures, you name it. Most are not pretty, but some are understandable, whether you agree with it or not. For the person who does it, their problems are over, but for their circle of friends and family a huge pain begins of "what did we miss that could have prevented this?"

X-Games- not my cup of tea. Yes they are a physical competion, and quite popular in some circles. Certainly non traditional when compared to the current mainstream sports. Yet no less challenging or invigorating for the participants. And certainly not lacking in their own fan legions as other non mainstream games such as Lumberjack Games, Scottish Games, or even something like Best Ranger competition. Each has their own masters, just as any competition activity usually does. Who knows what new sports will rise and old ones will fade in the future. Of course I personally get tired of the overuse of adjectives such as "extreme", "epic", and other such hyperbole used in media today to describe whatever activity...

The man himself. Somebody I have never known of. Obviously known and adored by others, who will feel his loss either personally or professionally. And yes, his passing should be respected, no matter the reason for it. 

Concussions/Brain injuries- maybe a contributing or causal factor in this event, maybe completely unrelated. But lets face it, getting knocked hard on the head is not good for anybody. Be it accidental or intentional, professional or recreational, those injuries take a toll. Some immediately, others slowly a creeping onset over time.

just my rambling thoughts on this...

 

Well thought and stated Karl.....I saw him and the X-Games when they were in the Denver, Colorado area and those individuals are a tough breed for the spills and thrills with the show they put on. And I totally agree with Karl in regards to the You Tube videos. These kids are doing things on bike's and skateboards that make my body hurt just watching. I don't know how they don't kill themselves with the blows they take to their head's or brake their necks. This poor soul had something haunting him, and it is sadning that he took his life and left behind a family. As a firefighter/paramedic I have seen too many times of individuals that took their lives, and left a wake of questions and heart brake.

God speed Dave, and rest well, 

I'm sorry I don't know who he is, but it is sad to here of anybody taking their own life. I just don't understand what could be that bad. Perhaps the head injuries do have something to do with it, but in any case I mourn for the loss of someone so young.

As far as X sports, those guys, and you Karl, are WAY more talented than I. I can't even stand on a skate board without it bucking me off, forget flying through the air on a bike and landing on 2 wheels, or any of the other conveyances that are used.

 

Steve

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Dave Mirra's (AKA Miracle Boy) sudden death. A sad day indeed. I was a huge fan of his and am a big fan of the X Games having been a skateboarder and BMX rider in my day. He was also an idol of my son. Even into my late 30's, early 40's, my son and I would spend countless hours at our local skatepark every weekend riding our BMX bikes, and although I couldn't compete with the young guys, I had immense fun trying, and part of that had to do with people like Dave. It was also something my son and I loved doing together. I have the utmost admiration for the X Games athletes (and they are athletes in their own right), because it takes a great ammount of skill, dedication, guts, and endless hours of practice to do what they do. And in his day Dave Mirra was the best of the best! My condolences go out to his wife and two daughters in this terrible time. Maybe he just didn't know how to ask for help? If he had, maybe it could have been avoided, who knows? People need to not be afraid to ask for help for fear of being judged. We all need someone to talk to at some time or another. It might save a life. Ride in peace Dave.

Aussie Mick

Maybe he just didn't know how to ask for help? If he had, maybe it could have been avoided, who knows? People need to not be afraid to ask for help for fear of being judged. We all need someone to talk to at some time or another. It might save a life. Ride in peace Dave.

 

That is such a salient point...a lot of these professionals--and it doesn't matter who they are or what field or genre they are in--anyone who carries that onerous mantle of a "hero"; ugh, what a burden that can be? Having to live up to other peoples' expectations and impressions of you. Not being able to show weakness or pain. Always having to "rise above" and "be heroic". We probably unconsciously saddle these mere human beings with these unrealistic expectations, and then wonder why--perhaps in this very instance?-the risk of appearing "weak" or past-their-prime might lead someone to such a radical and tragic "solution" to whatever they perceive as a reputation-wrecking condition or situation. 

It's pause for reflection, no doubt..

I don't know who the gentleman was but it is terrible and wish the best for his family. Who knows what drove him to such desperate action. Just look at Robin Williams, a talented and funny actor that made us laugh and happy to see him in his comedy movies, yet no one knew the pain and desperation he was hiding. Very sad indeed.