It seems likely Scotty Cranmer anticipates returning to his favorite sport again in the future. Unfortunately, he will evidently require continued rest, rehabilitation and medical services before that goal becomes possible.
Now aged 29, "the Punisher" has carved out a career in the action-packed world of competitive BMX racing. Born in New Jersey, he is currently tied with the late Dave Mirra, who has performed some of the best BMX stunts ever, as the holder of the greatest number of X Games BMX Park medals.
His accolades in the sport include over 14 professional appearances and three gold medals. In addition to appearing in BMX competitive off-road racing events, he owns a successful Youtube video channel and a bike shop. His online channel reports receiving over 90 million views since its inception in 2015, an impressive figure. Several corporate sponsors rely upon him as a spokesperson. His pursuit of his favorite sport has led him over a wide geographic area, from biking in England to filming promotional videos in Las Vegas.
On October 12, 2016, by his own account Scotty Cranmer sustained serious harm while riding his BMX bike. In a video posted online entitled "My Worst Crash Ever", he explained his near- fatal accident to fans. He filmed himself sitting in a wheelchair outside a rehabilitation facility in New Jersey a month after the incident. His vivid account in the video illustrates the very real dangers of off-road biking at construction sites.
On the posted video, Scotty Cranmer reports while staying at the Palms in Las Vegas during the course of filming a promotional ad for a sponsor, he decided to spend some free time riding his BMX bike around the city with friends to film one of his own videos. He drove his bike across a building foundation at a construction site. Unfortunately, after rising into the air, the bike landed with one wheel caught in a depression in the ground. Scotty Cranmer lost control and pitched onto the surface, hard. He announced he will post the video of this mishap online in the future.
Scotty Cranmer's landing broke several teeth, caused facial and cranial injuries and damaged his back. He spent several days gradually regaining consciousness in a hospital room and underwent emergency surgery for bleeding in the brain. Now weeks of recovery await him. Hopefully, his video will reinforce for young fans the life-threatening risks involved in some types of bike riding.
By Mike Murphy
Scotty Cranmer (and many others) enjoy riding BMX race bikes. Intended for use on a variety of challenging surfaces, both on-road and off-road, this equipment does not always withstand accidents well. Scotty Cranmer recently posted a video online discussing his recovery from life- threatening injuries he sustained while riding.
His account reveals both the unbridled enthusiasm of dedicated BMX hobbyists and the potential hazards involved in biking over randomly selected and potentially unsuitable off-road locations.
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.