Freestyle Motocross rider dies before exhibition at Texas Motor Speedway

freebird62

freebird62

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Freestyle Motocross rider Jim McNeil died Sunday after suffering injuries while practicing for a FMX exhibition before Sunday's AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway.

McNeil, 32, was practicing in the midway area outside the frontstretch grandstands before the area was open on Sunday morning. He was taken by CareFlight to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

McNeil, who was known as "Jumpin' Jimmy," had competed in Freestyle Motocross for 11 years, and finished fourth overall in FMX at the X Games in 2006. He had been part of the Boost Mobile FMX team for nine years.

In Freestyle Motocross, riders are scored by judges based on a series of jumps and tricks. The most famous FMX rider may be Travis Pastrana, who is transitioning to to NASCAR or Carey Hart, who is married to the singer Pink.

So sad to read about another death in the world of sports. Thoughts and prayers for the family and friends of Jim McNeil.
 
possible cause

sdjclevland said:
Anyone know what happened exactly?
Click to expand...

lifted from ESPN.com "Risk vs. reward in FMX" By Colin Bane

"...McNeil died while practicing a ramp-to-ramp stunt for an exhibition that had been scheduled as part of the 2011 Boost Mobile FreestyleMX.com Worldwide Tour. Stem says it was the first serious incident for the Boost Mobile team in its 14-year history, and that McNeil, a star of the team for the last seven years, was known for his professionalism, riding ability, and commitment to safety.

The accident is being attributed to mechanical failure, according to a report from the Fort Worth, Texas Police Department, which has concluded its investigation: McNeil's motorcycle apparently malfunctioned and lost power, causing him to come off the takeoff ramp poorly and without enough speed to clear the gap. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's office ruled the cause of death as blunt-force trauma to the chest and neck. McNeil was pronounced dead after being flown to a nearby hospital..."

full article:

http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/story/_/id/7209358/jim-mcneil-risk-versus-reward-freestyle-motocross

the AP reported:

"Tour manager Cory Stem with Freestylemx.com said Monday that the company determined an unknown mechanical failure caused the accident.

Stem told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that McNeil came up short on the landing. Witnesses had heard the engine running poorly."

R.I.P. Jim "McNeil The Real Deal"
 
Mechanical failure, I hope it wasn't on pavement. Those guys are insane setting up those exhibitions on concrete. And the landing ramps can kill you when they don't pad them.
 
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