Jeremy Lusk dies from injuries suffered in freestyle motocross crash
***Updated with statement from Brian Deegan
Freestyle motocross star Jeremy Lusk, 24, has died as a result of head injuries sustained in a weekend crash during a competition in Costa Rica, and it's with a heavy heart that Outposts shares this news.
The Temecula rider passed away in his hospital bed late Monday night in San Jose, Costa Rica, while surrounded by his mother and father, Chuck and Gina Lusk; his wife Lauren, and mother- and father-in-law Lynne and Larry, along with fellow Metal Mulisha riders Brian Deegan, Ryan Hagy, Cameron Steele and Erik Apple.
Deegan, founder of Metal Mulisha, issued this statement Tuesday at 3 p.m.:
"Jeremy motivated me to be a better person, he was my best friend. The bond of this team is one that will never be broken. We know Jeremy is looking down from a great place, continuing to move mountains and touch the lives of those above.
"One day, we will all be reunited and will ride together again. In the end, all dust turns to ash. Metal Mulisha will continue to live and die by that creed. Jeremy, we can't wait to see you."
Please keep Lusk and his family in your thoughts and prayers. He did his best to live life to its fullest and entertain, and for that his many fans are deeply appreciative.
Funeral services will be held Monday, Feb. 16, at 1 p.m. at the Revival Christian Fellowship Church at 29220 Scott Road in Menifee, Calif. To learn more about Lusk please click here for a story posted in the L.A. Times obits section.--Pete Thomas
Photo of Jeremy Lusk courtesy of Metal Mulisha
my heart goes out to jeremy and his family. i just found out last night and almost started to cry. rip jeremy your in my prayers
Posted by: bridgette | February 11, 2009 at 04:04 PM
i think it really sad that some dies doing what they love and people can actually be negative about it . there is the chance do die in everything you do and every sport you play have some respect . just because you are not in to freestyle motocross does not make someone a dumb ass because it is there passion. motocross is my passion and i love it and jeremy you will be missed in this sport. to all you people that want to critize why don't you get a life and have some respect obviously you don't care about the sport so why bother saying anything . ridiculous how people are i supose none of you people doing this don't watch the x-games or any motocross ya right !!!! how would you like it if one of your loved ones died and people critized them for what they were doing when it happened . HEARTLESS PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: TRACY | February 11, 2009 at 02:36 PM
I do not personally know anything about JL but, I do know what it feels like to lose a great loving caring person. My heart goes to his family,friends,fans. You will be greatly missed.
R.I.P.
To everyone: Do not forget he is still watching us just from a better place.
Posted by: Mariah W. | February 11, 2009 at 02:01 PM
Go with God Jeremy. Prayers for your family.
Posted by: GH | February 11, 2009 at 12:49 PM
There are no words that can describe how saddened we are by this tragic loss! As a mom of a son that is 23 years young who is a great fan and also a free style rider himself. I can not imagine the pain that his family and friendss will endure in the coming months. GO BIG AND GO HOME JEREMY! GOD BLESS ALL!
Posted by: M. Allen | February 11, 2009 at 12:11 PM
Maybe this will be a lesson not to do stupid things and to appreciate life, rather than treat it like it was a novelty.
Im sorry a person died. Its tragic for sure.. But Im a little skeptical on his intelligence level, especially when he very nearly died doing the same thing 2 years earlier.
And it has nothing to do with what goes around comes around. Perhaps if we had/would all express an outrage that this dumb event should be allowed to continue, jeremy would still be alive. Gets to a point where you just need to realize that you have met your limitations and respect that. Those that do not, end up dead.. or worse, as a vegetable on life support for the next 20 years.
Posted by: david | February 11, 2009 at 12:06 PM
I feel privaliged to have seen JL compete in the Madrid X Fighters, he came out in a Real Madrid football shirt and won the crowd over........... a true star.
Posted by: Carl | February 11, 2009 at 11:58 AM
My heart goes out to the Lusk family. For those of you who have posted negative comments, remember what goes around, comes around and when you hit your time of need remember the thoughtless comments you made regarding this remarkable young man.
Posted by: Pennie | February 11, 2009 at 11:46 AM
Live like a dumbass, die like a dumbass........ say hi to Darwin........
Posted by: robert | February 11, 2009 at 10:29 AM
I can not believe this happened. OMG..... RIP Bro. I loved to watch Jeremy take tricks to the next level. He was the best fmx rider EVER. My prayers go out to all of the family and friends of Jeremy. Lauren keep your head up girl. I would also like to send a prayer out to the Metal Mulisha. It was an true honor to have known Jeremy.
Posted by: Kris Comeaux Lafayette, LA | February 11, 2009 at 09:04 AM
The most troubling part of the video was seeing the horrible medical response from these so-called paramedics. They took his helmet off and were running with him, while his body/head etc were bouncing around. If it was a neck injury or head injury they were just supposed to stabilize him, not fold his arms down then toss them on a stretcher. Oh well I guess that's just the way medical emergencies are handled in third-world countries.
Posted by: Aaron | February 11, 2009 at 08:27 AM
Rip in peace jeremy!!
Posted by: rodney i | February 11, 2009 at 07:56 AM
god bless my heart goes out to all who were close to him.
Posted by: jason | February 11, 2009 at 07:09 AM
WHEN WE HEARD THE NEWS WE COULD NOT BELIVE IT.
WE DON'T HAVE WORDS BUT
WE ARE SO SORRY WE WILL ALWAYS KEEP HIM IN OUR HEARTS AND REMEMBER HIM AS THE BEST RIDER.
GOD BE WITH HIM AND WITH HIS FAMILY
GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU AND YOU FAMILY
FROM AUSTIN TEXAS
Posted by: IVON ORTIZ | February 11, 2009 at 06:12 AM
Rest in peace jeremy...you was the best fmx rider in the world and you still going to be that. we all gonna miss you even that we not had meet you... all mx riders gonna think about you when we jump on our bikes and drive
R.I.P Jeremy lusk 2009 <3
Posted by: Joakim Lindberg | February 11, 2009 at 02:13 AM
Dios les de la fortaleza a toda su familia en este momento tan doloroso, orare por ustedes.
Posted by: Javier | February 10, 2009 at 09:28 PM
its so sad to see you gone you were one of the best fmx riders and one of my favorites my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
RIP bro
Posted by: Stephen Arkansas Walker | February 10, 2009 at 09:26 PM
Se nota que el tal "ticos majes" no sabe nada de Costa Rica. Un pais maravilloso,
Posted by: Carlos MV | February 10, 2009 at 09:05 PM
u will be missied by me and many other people my prayers r with u and god bless u u were the nicest person and coolest freestlye rider god bless u i will miss u bro
Posted by: Davin | February 10, 2009 at 08:43 PM
Jeremy I cant believe your gone, God will take care of you and your family if I can do anything to help your family let me know Ill hit the ramps with love R.I.P #724
Posted by: alex | February 10, 2009 at 07:58 PM
ticos majes: supongo que sos un pobre acomplejado de otro país cercano.. seguro nunca tienen lindos eventos como este... .lo lamento por vos, se nota que sos un verdadero tercermundista.
Posted by: rgarita | February 10, 2009 at 07:56 PM
I am from Costa Rica, our health system is a very good one. Moving him to the US wasn´t a good idea and it wasn´t neccesary.
God bless and comfort his family.
Posted by: Ricardo | February 10, 2009 at 07:54 PM
Jeremy was one of my favorite riders and he motivated me also and I cant wait to ride with you in heaven
Posted by: alex Smith | February 10, 2009 at 07:51 PM
R.I.P jeremy
Posted by: josh hall | February 10, 2009 at 07:44 PM
sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Nick magna MSC 656 | February 10, 2009 at 06:42 PM