.Dave Mirra was found dead in his truck of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot would on Thursday afternoon in Greenville, North Carolina
- .The 41-year-old BMX legend, who hosted two seasons of Real World/Road Rules Challenge, leaves behind a wife and two daughters
- .Mirra posted two Instagram photos shortly before he killed himself, one of him and his wife and a photo of himself riding his bike from high school
- .'My rock! Thank god,' wrote Mirra alongside the photo of his wife
- .He was discovered in his car less than 1,000 feet from his former high school, Rose High School
- .Mirra was one of the most successful X-Games athletes of all time thanks to his BMX talents, winning 24 medals during his career
BMX legend Dave Mirra has been found dead in his truck of an apparent suicide.
The 41-year-old, who also hosted two seasons of the popular MTV show Real World/Road Rules Challenge, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Greenville Police Department in North Carolina.
He was discovered in his car less than 1,000 feet from his former high school.
He leaves behind a wife Lauren and two daughters, Mackenzie and Madison.
Tragedy: Dave Mirra was found dead in his truck of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot would on Thursday afternoon in Greenville, North Carolina
Scene: Mirra's truck is seen being towed away on Thursday
Family: The 41-year-old BMX legend, who hosted two seasons of Real World/Road Rules Challenge, leaves behind a wife and two daughters (pictured above on Facebook)
Last comment: Mirra posted two Instagram photos shortly before he killed himself, one of him and his wife
The second post (above) was a photo of himself riding his bike from high school. He was discovered in his car less than 1,000 feet from his former high school, Rose High School
The Greenville Police Department said on their Facebook page that Mirra had been in North Carolina visiting family at the time of his death.
'We mourn the loss today of a great friend and wonderful human being who touched the lives of so many around the world with his gift,' said City of Greenville Mayor Allen Thomas.
'He called Greenville, North Carolina home and was as humble a guy talking with kids on a street corner about bikes as he was in his element on the world stage. A young life with so much to offer was taken too soon.'
Mirra posted two Instagram photos shortly before he was found dead, one of him and his wife and a photo of himself riding his bike from high school.
'My rock! Thank god,' wrote Mirra alongside the photo of his wife.
The last photo, of himself riding his bike, was posted just moments before his body was discovered and said; 'Rose high school Greenville Nc.'
He also posted a picture of himself boxing on Wednesday, writing; 'Fight to win! We all have a battles to fight. Never back down. Love you all. #diewithyourbootson.'
His family said that they would appreciate privacy during this very difficult time.
Day before: Mirra also posted a picture of himself boxing on Wednesday, writing: 'Fight to win! We all have a battles to fight. Never back down. Love you all. #diewithyourbootson'
Legend: Mirra (left in 2009, right in 2010) was one of the most successful X-Games athletes of all time thanks to his BMX talents
Close: Mirra frequently posted photos of his wife and children on social media, writing about how much he loved them
Mirra was born in New York but grew up in Greenville, and became one of the most successful X-Games athletes of all time thanks to his BMX talents.
He participated in the inaugural games in 1995 and medaled at every appearance through 2008, taking home 24 medals along the way - 14 of them gold.
Mirra then became known to fans outside the sport when he hosted two seasons of Real World/Road Rules Challenge in the early Noughties at the height of the program's popularity.
He hosted The Inferno season in 2004 and then, in 2005, The Inferno II season.
Mirra also appeared on MTV's Punk'd around this time in an episode where host Ashton Kutcher led him to believe that he had been accused of fraud by the IRS.
In recent years he had continued to compete, this time in IronMans and long distance bike races.
Remebering: 'Words can't explain how much I love these guys. Very sad day for myself and the entire Bmx community Gods speed,' said Tim 'Fuzzy' Hall
Tribute: 'I'm in complete shock. Angry, heart broken and just sad at the passing of my friend Dave. Heart broken 4 his daughters and wife,' wrote friend and fellow BMX rider Carey Hart
'I'm in complete shock. Angry, heart broken and just sad at the passing of my friend Dave. Heart broken 4 his daughters and wife,' wrote friend and fellow BMX rider Carey Hart on Twitter Thursday.
'Words can't explain how much I love these guys. Very sad day for myself and the entire Bmx community Gods speed,' said Tim 'Fuzzy' Hall.
'Thank you for everything Dave. Gonna miss you brotha. R.I.P.,' wrote Corey Bohan.
ESPN also released a statement, saying; 'Dave Mirra, your courage, determination and natural skill in everything you pursued pushed the world of action sports to become a better place. From all of us at X Games and ESPN, we salute your contributions. Our sincere condolences go out to Dave's wife, Lauren, his daughters Mackenzie and Madison, the BMX community and friends of Dave Mirra.'
Tony Hawk wrote of his friend; 'Goodbye Dave Mirra, a true pioneer, icon and legend. Thank you for the memories... we are heartbroken.'
Police in Greenville will provide more details about Mirra's death at a press conference on Friday morning.
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
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