GREENVILLE, NC (WITN) Greenville police say BMX icon Dave Mirra died Thursday in Greenville from an apparent suicide.
Greenville Mayor Allen Thomas and Greenville Police Chief Mark Holtzman spoke at a Friday morning press conference. You can watch the entire news conference by clicking the video with this story.
"Dave Mirra was more than just a sports figure... he's a loving member of this community, and that remains," Mayor Thomas said. Thomas called Mirra a warm and humble guy.
Mayor Thomas said he had a 20-minute conversation with Mirra outside a local restaurant just hours before his death. He said they talked and laughed, and Mirra had some exciting things he would like to plan for the kids in Greenville.
Thomas said this was a very difficult day for Greenville. He hoped out of this tragedy, "lives might be saved across this community."
The mayor said everyone is still trying to process this and hoped we can find some answers into why this happened. Thomas talked about the trauma from Mirra's years as an athlete in a very demanding sport and the possibility that could have had an impact in his death.
Thomas said while Mirra was known on the world stage, Mirra was to many in Greenville "just a dad, just a friend."
He thanked the media, the Greenville police and everyone involved for the way they've handled this.
"We love you Dave Mirra, we're going to miss you," Thomas said. "Your legacy will live on."
Greenville Police Chief Mark Holtzman also spoke. He said on the investigation side of things, the facts of the case haven't changed since yesterday.
Chief Holtzman said the friend Mirra had visited shortly before his death was just as shocked at Mirra's death, that Mirra had been making plans.
When asked if depression had been an issue, the chief said it was apparent Mirra had been struggling in areas such as that but that he didn't have any specifics.
Chief Holtzman said the Medical Examiner on scene said everything appeared to be consistent with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. It happened on Pinewood Road. He said Mirra was seated in his own truck and shot himself with his own handgun.
Chief Holtzman encouraged people to reach out for help if they need it. He said his department receives hundreds of the calls every year from people in crisis, and his department is there to help.
If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you are encouraged to seek help through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-TALK.
From WITN
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.