Remembering BMX Legend Dave Mirra

Suicide Hotlines are not the answer. It’s that sort of disconnect by many that is the problem at hand. You have to have friends you can turn to, and that means you need to learn to be a friend open to discussions that go beyond bike parts, IPA’s, and who won “the game” last week.

Dave’s not gone because someone forgot to share the Suicide Hotline with him. It’s because there was a pain too great for such.

Addressing and being open in the culture of extreme sports (and sports in general) that head injuries can happen and with that can come some really uncomfortable feelings over time is what we need. Education that if your bro is acting a certain way it could be a result of a concussion or worse yet a TBI. Having peers be able to spot the conditions and creating a culture that allows for the discussion of such is key.

The military is having this conversation internally and trying to do the same because there is a certain macho culture that exists there as well. Seeing even the toughest of fhe SF guys post on FB that hey, We get it has been quite helpful. The army alone has seen one of the highest suicde rates in the history of the army, largely contributed to an increase in TBI’s.

In the end, we have to stop thinking this is the affected’s sole problem. Often they don’t even see it. We as peers in such sports need to become aware of symptoms associated with concussions/head injuries, learn to take care of our own, and know when to shut off the tough guy attitude when we see a friend hurting. Most shut down internally, especially guys, because of the very enviroment that can also make us the best we can be.

Want to help? Read up on TBI’s. What can cause them. Keep an eye on friends who’ve rung their bell hard and watch for signs they aren’t themselves. Keep note of people in your circle who’ve had a series of hard hits over the years. See what resources are availilable locally. Not only may you save a life, but treatments our there that a person can do within a year or two of a serious head ringing can reverse symptoms and help correct issues that affect performance (such as a mid like shift), uktimately allowing your bros a chance to shred for many years to come.

Could someone please check on Matt Hoffman? I suspect all the blows to the they received over the years has something to do with it.

TBI Survivior – I think we can all appreciate your desire to get to the root of this tragedy, and to enlighten others on TBI, which you’re right, could be discussed more entirely. However, please don’t be posing your opinion on something that could potentially sway someone who would have used a service that could actually help. The reason hotlines work, and still exist, is because of anonymity.

Here is a link for more info:

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml#part_149727

Understanding TBI is important, but don’t use polarizing perspectives just because you think you know what “is”. It won’t help anybody to fully understand the limitless facets of depression.

Suicide attempts with guns result in death 85% of the time.

Of those who attempt suicide by any method, but fail, 90% will not die by suicide, ever.

It’s critical to get guns away from those who are depressed and contemplating suicide.

RIP Dave. You will be missed, and you will live on in my desire to do the impossible I got from watching you.

This isn’t the time or place for soap boxes… It’s a time to celebrate the achievements of an amazing person. I was contemplating doing an Ironman before, but now I WILL finish Lake Placid to pay my respects.

Much respect for all that Dave accomplished.