Colin Winkelmann, a former BMX star who was known for his daring stunts, lost his life in a tragic accident at a motocross park in Texas.
According to reports, Winkelmann was performing a jump at the Cycle Ranch Motocross Park in Floresville on Saturday when he crashed and suffered severe head injuries.
He was airlifted to a hospital in San Antonio, where he was pronounced dead. He was 42 years old.
Winkelmann was a pioneer of BMX freestyle, a sport that involves performing tricks and maneuvers on bicycles. He rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s, appearing in several videos and magazines.
He was also known for attempting some of the most dangerous stunts in BMX history, such as jumping over the Great Wall of China and trying to clear a 120-foot gap over a highway.
His friends and fans paid tribute to him on social media, remembering him as a legend, an inspiration and a fearless rider.
“Colin Winkelmann was one of the most influential riders of all time. He pushed the boundaries of what was possible on a bike and inspired generations of riders,” wrote Mat Hoffman, another BMX legend, on Instagram.
“He was also one of the kindest and most genuine people I have ever met. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Rest in peace, brother,” he added.
