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
Saddest news I've heard today. Rest in peace, Jeremy. All my sympathy to the family and friends. Very, very sad... He left us too soon. Condolences from Bucharest, Romania
Posted by: Cristi | February 10, 2009 at 09:24 AM
i am really stunned by this news. he was just an amazing rider. so talented. a talent that passed away much to soon. I never meet him but for some reason i feel that i did. this news really makes me really sad. may he rest in peace and my thoughts and prayers go with all of his friends, family and the whole motorcross/fmx family. he will be missed
Posted by: luis | February 10, 2009 at 09:22 AM
horrible story...he was one of the best...my thoughts and prayers go out to all your family and friends....gonna miss ya bro...RIP
"We ride together. We die together. Bad boys for life."
Posted by: Dave | February 10, 2009 at 09:22 AM
Just wanted to sat that I have a very heavy heart today. Ofcouse my thoughts and prayers got out to his family and the Metal crew. I am very thankful for Jeremy to be around for 24yrs. He passed doing something he loves and thats not always the case. People pass way every day from unknown reasons. When God calls you gotta go home. We never understand way things happen like they do, but don't question why things happen. Be thankful for your time. You can also buy wristbads at motocross.transworld.net all proceeds go to his family. God bless all.
Posted by: Dee58 | February 10, 2009 at 09:21 AM
I am deeply saddened to hear about Jeremy's tragic accident. This is a enormous loss to our MX world. My heart and prayers go out to his family.
Posted by: Treffley | February 10, 2009 at 09:21 AM
I don't know how much people realize how fragile we are. Risking our lives for a career so others can be entertained is amazing. The risk sometimes outweighs the reward. Too bad a young talented man had to die doing something he loved. I feel sorrow for those he left behind.
Posted by: GRIMM | February 10, 2009 at 09:19 AM
RIP Jeremy, May god bless ur family as they go through this tough time.
Posted by: Britsh | February 10, 2009 at 09:19 AM
what a bummer.jeremy was insane to watch.he will be missed,but not forgotten.our thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends. GODspeed Jeremy Lusk
Posted by: chris | February 10, 2009 at 09:18 AM
Rest in peace, Jeremy. You are in the most wonderful place right now. Go Big!
#17D
Posted by: Nicole | February 10, 2009 at 09:10 AM
How sad. Jeremy should have been quickly airlifted to a specialized head trauma center here in the United States. Public hospitals in Costa Rica, especially the Calderón Guardia in downtown San José, are notorious for lacking basic resources and providing shady care.
Posted by: Scott | February 10, 2009 at 09:09 AM
I am from Costa Rica an a fan of freestyle motocross . My thoughts and prayers go out to Jeremy and his family.
Posted by: Henry Xirinachs | February 10, 2009 at 09:06 AM
wow!!! this is really bad, my heart goes out to his whole family.
i lost my 24 year old brother just over two years ago in a motorcycle accident.
but just like jeremy, my brother loved riding his bike.
the same happened a freak accident a flat bed tow truck ran a light infront of him.
its hard for jeramys family now, but it will slowly get better, don't get me wrong its not gonna be the same there is always gonna be that whole in the world.
my heart goes out.
im very sorry.
RIP jeremy.
Posted by: shane trafton | February 10, 2009 at 09:00 AM
May God's love be with Jeremy's family and wife at this time. My son and Jeremy were good friends when they were in high school. I have had this child in my house, laughing and telling stories of wrestling and such. He was a great young man with a great attitude. He will be missed.
Posted by: Micky | February 10, 2009 at 08:58 AM
Rest in Peace Jeremy. You will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with Lauren, his family and close friends. You will always be remembered as one of the greats.
Posted by: Linny / Charlie / Gaz / Stu / Dave / Shane @ Dodford Turn Motocross Track | February 10, 2009 at 08:24 AM
My condolences to the family and close friends.
Posted by: Motoman | February 10, 2009 at 08:16 AM
I can't believe it. What a terrible lose to the whole FX/MX/SX community! My thoughts and prayers go out to all his family and friends.
RIP from
Houston, TX MXers
Posted by: Cory | February 10, 2009 at 08:03 AM
I am from Costa Rica and I saw the crash live. It was a horrific crash. Everyone went silent. No one could expect someone to survive that crash without any serious injuries. He was very badly injured, especially to his head. We never know how he would have survived his head injuries or spinal injuries, or how he could ever live with that.
We are all sad here. Our prayers go for all his loved ones.
He died what he loved to do most. He died at the peak of his time. He is now eternal.
Posted by: gmu | February 10, 2009 at 07:45 AM
R.I.P. Jeremy, from all your fans in Costa Rica and around the world. God bless you brother. See you in heaven...........................
Posted by: Martin | February 10, 2009 at 07:31 AM
This is such a tragedy. I from SD but now live in Costa Rica and have been following this closely since the night it happened. I know that FMX has obvious risk involved, but honestly this show never should have happened that night. The winds were some of the strongest this country has has in years. Trees being uprooted, tractor trailers blown off the road. The conditions had to add more risk to an already dangerous sport. I'm no expert, but man if you knew how hard the winds were blowing here Saturday night you would think that they had to play some part in Jeremy's accident. My heart goes out to all of his family and friends.
Posted by: Greg | February 10, 2009 at 07:30 AM
OUR HEARTS POUR OUT TO HIS WIFE AND FAMILY.
WE ARE VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
YOUR IN OUR PRAYERS
GOD BLESS
FRIENDS FROM BAKO,CA
Posted by: CHUCK & SHERRY BIDDLES | February 10, 2009 at 07:22 AM
i cant belive he`s gone he was one of my heros and to think he`s gone that quick i saw him come i 3rd in a compition in orlando back in october i shuck his hand he signed my hat and now he`s gone he still is one of my heros he wont be forgoten every weekend when i ride ill think of him rest in peace god bless
Posted by: clinton helton | February 10, 2009 at 07:19 AM
My thoughts and prayers go out to Jeremy and his family..... I had the honor of working with him a few times and he was a great kid!
I also think it is irresponsible of the LA Times to keep the link to the video of his crash in this string of posts.
I hope they have the decency to take it down for the benefit of the Lusk family and to deter shock and awe junkies from watching such a horific incident with a very real ending for thrills.
Posted by: Anonymous | February 10, 2009 at 07:12 AM
Out of the Earth, the rose
Out of the night the dawn
Out of life and all it's woes
Comes the courage to press on
Author unknown
Thank you for the "Show" it was an honor to see you ride.
Posted by: OG_Shocker | February 10, 2009 at 07:12 AM
He should have stuck to basket weaving. Much safer than trying to be a showoff.
Posted by: fred holder | February 10, 2009 at 06:58 AM
all i can say is WOW...unbelieveable sad sad news....r.i.p. man.. and my condolences to all his family.. you'll be missed!!!
Posted by: mike bowers | February 10, 2009 at 06:53 AM