BMX legend Dave Mirra has died of an apparent suicide, according to police in Greenville, North Carolina. Mirra made a name for himself as one of the most decorated athletes in X Games history, netting 14 gold medals and making the podium in every year from 1995 to 2008. Besides the X Games, Mirra had a videogame in his name, twice hosted MTV’s Real World/Road Rules Challenge, and won the Best Male Action Sports Athlete ESPY from ESPN. After retiring from the pro BMX circuit, he went on to compete in the grueling world of Ironman events.
“Ironman competitions are an entirely different ballgame,” Mirra told Sports Illustrated. “It was extremely satisfying to look around and see what I consider the best athletes in the world as my competition.”
Greenville Mayor Allen Tomas described Mirra as “a great friend and wonderful human being who touched the lives of so many around the world with his gift.”
He’s survived by his wife and two children.