Mirra moved into ramp riding and met BMXer Kevin Jones of the Plywood Hoods – one of the most famous BMX collectives ever and the men behind the first homemade freestyle video “Dorkin’ in York”, the sequel to which would feature Dave.

He turned professional in 1992 after graduating from high school aged 17 and picked up sponsors from Hoffman Bikes to Airwalk and Standard Bikes. He invented a whole host of tricks and began to make a major impact on the scene.

This was the man who landed the first ever double backflip in competition in 2000 and spawned a much-loved video game series the same year. ‘Dave Mirra freestyle BMX’ inspired millions to climb onto two wheels, and resulted in the rider even getting his own brand of cereal and bubble gum.

This was the man who rode through the “dark days” of BMX freestyle, when it looked like it could disappear, and who’s sponsorship with Reebok down the line earned a lot of visibility for the sport.

Dave appeared on chat shows as mainstream as Letterman, hosted shows himself, won countless awards for his riding, and along with his brother Tim Mirra and Ryan Nyquist gave Greenville the nickname “Protown” as it became a hub for professional BMX. He was a superstar in every sense of the word.

In his later years he developed a loved for triathlon, iron man contests and rally car driving. The news that he has passed away will no doubt be mourned far and wide across the world.

BMX has lost a true hero, legend, icon and friend today. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Dave.