R.I.P Jeremy Lusk 11/26/1984-02/09/2009

Jeremy Lusk, popular star of FMX, died in February of 2009 in San Jose, Costa Rica at the X Knights competition. Lusk died due to major head injuries after slamming headfirst into the ground.

It was very reminiscent of a similar crash at the 2007 X Games where he walked away fine from the incident. Despite the danger associated with freestyle motocross, Lusk is believed to be the first pro rider to have died from injuries suffered in an FMX contest, though several have incurred serious injuries.

Lusk, who was born in San Diego in 1984 and had been riding motorcycles since he was 3, turned pro at 19. He was coming off his most successful year.

He won his first X Games gold medal in the freestyle motocross competition last summer at the Home Depot Center, and won a silver medal in the FMX best-trick contest.

Also in 2008, Lusk won two gold medals in an X Games Mexico competition; he finished third in the Dew Tour series standings, and he was never lower than fourth in a string of high-level international events.

Jeremy Lusk joined the FMX team called Metal Mulisha in 2006 and quickly became one of the top riders. He was excellent athlete and friend. Though intimidating as a rider, he was open hearted, funny, and friendly young guy. He is survived by his wife, Lauren, and his parents who were with him when he passed away.