BMX legend Pat Casey is dead after a motocross accident on June 6th. Photo: Instagram/@Patcaseybmx
On June 6, BMX rider and X Games medalist Pat Casey died in a motocross accident at a private track known as The Slayground. He was 29 years old.
Casey’s BMX career began early. Originally from Yorba Linda, California, his father built him a six-foot mini ramp when Pat was 12. It was almost immediately clear that he had more than a knack for it, and by 14, he was catching the eye of anyone who rode BMX. Two years later, he turned pro. His penchant for hucking huge airs along with a deep bag of tricks put him at the top of his sport, and by 18 he was able to buy his own house. It was there that he began construction on what would eventually become known as The Dreamyard, which, if you have a penchant for riding ramps, he would turn into one of the most amazing backyards ever.
Throughout his career, Casey never stopped pushing the limits. “Pat has stomped more than a few ‘never been done’ tricks, including a double decade and a backflip decade,” the Vans team wrote. “Ironically, most of Pat’s innovative riding involves him going backward. Only a handful of dirt/park riders even ride a freecoaster, but Pat has been an absolute innovator when it comes to doing tricks to fakie and while riding fakie. Casual 540 whips over spines, 180 double whips — you may even see Pat try to 180 whip the final jump in a dirt event. Pat can fire out fakie front flips, fakie double whips, fakie full cab whips, and is the only person to do a fakie cashroll.”
While Casey traveled the world collecting medals — including at the 2012 and 2013 X Games as well as a gold in 2021 — he was most comfortable at home with his wife and young children.
Casey’s death occurred after he attempted a jump on a motocross bike at about 2:30 p.m. The Slayground, a motocross track in Ramona, California, was used in previous X Games events. According to reports from the California Highway Patrol, Casey missed his landing and the motorcycle appeared to fall on top of him. Bystanders called 911 immediately, but when paramedics arrived they couldn’t find a pulse. Despite the use of advanced cardiac life-support measures, Casey couldn’t be resuscitated. Many in the BMX community took to social media to express their sorrow and love for him.
“The world lost one of the baddest to ever do it,” wrote TJ Levin, host of MTV’s The Challenge. “I’m so sorry for his wife and kids. @patcaseybmx will forever be remembered for the down-to-earth, sweetheart of a guy that he was. #bmxfamily”
Our sincerest condolences go out to Casey’s family, friends, and anyone affected by his tragic passing.
