The BMX world was rocked following news that star rider Pat Casey was killed in a motorcycle accident at 29 years old. Casey was a constant winner in the sport, having captured the medal at the 2021 Summer X Games.
The San Diego Country Sheriff’s Department released a statement regarding the accident. It reads, “On Tuesday, June 6 around 2:45 p.m., deputies from the Ramona Sheriff’s Station and Cal Fire Paramedics responded to the Slayground Motocross Park in Ramona for a report of a person who had been involved in a motorcycle accident.”
The press release, through a somber tone, goes on to describe the state in which Casey was found, having been involved the violent crash. “Deputies found a 29-year-old man had crashed his motorcycle while performing a jump on the park ramps. Deputies and paramedics attempted life-saving measures. However, the man was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
According to the statement, there is still an ongoing investigation into the accident at this time. While the identity of the man was not made public in the initial release, word quickly spread among those in the BMX community that Pat Casey was the rider.
The X Games released a statement regarding Casey’s passing, saying, “We are deeply saddened by Pat Casey’s passing and our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, children, parents, and siblings. A true legend in the action sports community, Pat will always be a member of the X Games family and an inspiration to everyone’s life he touched.”
This news rocked the world of BMX, but also was profoundly sad considering that Casey will leave behind two children. USA Cycling also took to Twitter to offer a goodbye to Casey, who left such a massive impact on the sport. “We are saddened to hear about the passing of BMX legend Pat Casey. Pat was a member of our inaugural BMX Freestyle National Team in 2018 and made his mark immeasurably on the BMX community. Our condolences go to his family and friends.”
We are saddened to hear about the passing of BMX legend Pat Casey. Pat was a member of our inaugural BMX Freestyle National Team in 2018 and made his mark immeasurably on the BMX community. Our condolences go to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/CUcYaLp6zd
— USA Cycling (@usacycling) June 7, 2023
While the sport of BMX has obvious dangers associated with it, such a sudden end to a great career has taken the sport by surprise. BMX, an abbreviation for Bicycle Motocross, began in the 1970’s as a way for kids and young adults to compete in dirt track bike races. Today, the sport has blossomed, garnering a massive worldwide audience as athletes attempt new tricks, seemingly every event. With the increasing speed and complexity with which these athletes perform their runs, risk aversion is always on the minds of the riders.
Proper protection, especially headwear, is a necessity for anyone competing in the sport. Even with all of the proper precautions taken, there is no guarantee that one will be completely safe.
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