In 2016, Dave Mirra, an American BMX rider, rally car driver, and entrepreneur, passed away with a net worth of $15 million. He once held the record for the most X Games medals until it was surpassed by Bob Burnquist in 2013. Remarkably, Mirra consistently medaled in the X Games from 1995 to 2009, except for 2006 due to injury.
Throughout his BMX career, Mirra secured 14 gold, six silver, and four bronze medals at the Summer X Games. Sponsored by Haro bikes, he later founded his own bike company, MirraCo, in 2007. Beyond sports, Mirra appeared on TV shows like “Real World/Road Rules Challenge,” “Las Vegas,” and “George Lopez,” and featured in video games like “Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX.”
Transitioning to rallycross racing after retiring from BMX in 2011, Mirra received accolades including an ESPY Award in 2005 and a posthumous induction into the BMX Hall of Fame in 2016. Unfortunately, Mirra tragically passed away from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on February 4, 2016, at the age of 41.
Early Life
David Michael Mirra, born on April 4, 1974, hailed from Chittenango, New York. Graduating from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Dave’s journey took a pivotal turn when his brother Tim headed to East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, during the ’90s.
Following Tim, Dave found himself in Greenville, where he encountered Ryan Nyquist, a renowned BMX professional with numerous X Games medals to his name, including four golds.
Bonding over their passion for BMX, Mirra and Nyquist collaborated on building ramps.
Their efforts contributed to Greenville evolving into a hub for over 20 BMX pros, earning it the moniker “Protown” within the BMX community.
Career
In ’87, 13-year-old Dave joined Haro Bikes BMX team, featured in Plywood Hoods videos next year. ’89, sponsored by Vision Street Wear, then GT Bicycles, Hoffman Bikes, and back to Haro. ’92, went pro. ’95, silver in BMX Vert, first gold in BMX Park in ’96. ’97-’99, multiple golds in BMX Park/Vert, plus BMX Vert Doubles in ’98 and Gravity Games gold in ’99. 2000 X Games: gold in BMX Park, silver in Vert. ’01/’02, gold in BMX Vert. ’03, silver in Vert, bronze in Park; ’04, gold in both. ’05 X Games: gold in Park, silver in Vert – Best Trick. Sat out 2006 due to injury. ’07: bronze in Park; ’08: silver in Big Air, bronze in RCR Racing; ’09: bronze in Big Air. Retired in 2011.
Joined Subaru Rally Team USA (’08-’13), fourth in 2013 Global RallyCross. Also did Ironman competitions, first triathlon in ’13, qualified for Ironman 70.3 World Championship in ’14. Published “Mirra Images” in ’03, named one of “People” magazine’s “50 Hottest Bachelors” in ’04. Endorsed DC Shoes, launched MirraCo bike company in ’07.
Personal Life
Dave married Lauren Blackwell on February 18, 2006, and they remained together until his death in 2016. The couple welcomed two daughters together, Madison and Mackenzie.
In March 2010, Mirra became ill with bacterial meningitis, and he fully recovered before he returned to rally racing.
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Death
Dave Mirra died of a gunshot wound to the head on February 4, 2016. He was 41 at the time of his death, and police reportedly found him “sitting in a truck with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
Greenville Mayor Allen M. Thomas released a statement about Dave’s death, writing:
“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. 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.”
Mirra had CTE after multiple concussions and a skull fracture at 19. He was the first action sports star diagnosed with CTE.
His widow supported charities in his memory, like Road 2 Recovery Foundation and CTE research groups. In 2019, Greenville officials planned an action sports park to honor Mirra, boost BMX/skateboarding, and attract tourism.