The beginning of the above video is full of exciting highlights of one of the best freestyle motocross riders. However, at around the 2:40 mark (just a heads up to those who decide to watch it), it becomes a tragic message to those who participate, or are planning to participate in extreme sports.
Much like many other people, I love watching stuff like this. The incredible skill and agility that it takes for guys to manipulate these bikes, snowmobiles, skateboards, etc through the air is truly amazing. However, there comes a time when their constant desire to find the new trick or push the envelope even further comes at a great cost.In this case, it took Jeremy Lusk's life. Lusk, 24, was attempting a Hart Attack backflip at an event in Costa Rica, and crashed upon landing. Unlike many crashes, this one was indeed as serious as it looked. Lusk's crash was on Saturday, and he passed away due to injuries from the crash early Tuesday morning.
While it's exciting to see guys perform these amazing tricks that have never been seen before and are seemingly unfathomable this will hopefully send the message that there is a point where pushing the envelope is just not worth it. Their efforts are appreciated, and their willingness to sacrifice their bodies for their craft is incredible. But it's accidents like these that serve as a reminder of the inherent risk of constantly pushing it to (and past the limit).
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Jeremy Lusk, and we hope that we never see something like this again in the world of extreme sports.
Jeremy Lusk dies from injuries suffered in freestyle motocross crash [LA Times]
Lusk dies from crash-related injuries [ESPN]
Video [Champions365]
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