Ive been meaning to write this for a long time, but i have been struggling to come up with the words to properly express how much this effected me or to give this man the true earthly credit he deserves. I have come to the realisation that i simply cant, so i will keep this short.

24 year old Jeremy 'Pitbull' Lusk was an icon in the motorcycle industry. An icon to the fans, an icon to other riders and a hero to his friends and family. With a list of riding accomplishments longer than your arm including the coveted X-Games Gold Medal, Jeremy grew to become known as one of the greatest Freestyle Motocross riders to ever throw a leg over a bike. Though certainly not limited to talents on the bike, Jeremy was a family man. Married to beautiful wife Lauren who he had known since he was a teenager.

In early February this year, Jeremy sustained massive head injuries after a competition crash in Costa Rica. And after a couple of scary nights, finally succumbed to the trauma caused by landing on his head after a backflip gone wrong, and passed away on February 9th 2009.

I never personally knew Jeremy, though I wish I had that opportunity. However, after spending years following him in magazines, watching him in awe on DVD's, and constantly being amazed with Jeremy's latest accomplishments, I at least feel like i knew him. The untimely death of this hero has affected more people around the world than we will ever know, and we can only hope this tradgedy will never be repeated.

Below are some statements released by those who truly knew Jeremy.

May your thoughts lie with his friends and family, and please keep it safe on two wheels.

R.I.P Jeremy Lusk 26 November 1984 - 9th February 2009.

"He was never one to back down from any challenge life had to offer him on or off the track. As a fierce competitor, he rode to the top of the freestyle world embracing the risks of the sport with hardcore passion. As a Christian, Jeremy had faith that no matter what, he would always be on the ride of his life. To Jeremy, there was never a question of there being any consequences, especially doing something he loved. His drive, love, passion and commitment drove him to become the "baddest ass" rider of his time. He and his wife Lauren will always be part of the Mulisha family, and his memory will continue to push our group of friends to the outer limits of life."
– Statement from the Metal Mulisha

"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. Jeremy, we can’t wait to see you."
– Metal Mulisha founder Brian Deegan

"I’ve lost one of my closest friends. I'm at a loss for words. I still feel like I'm in a bad dream and I'm gonna wake up tomorrow and go ride with Jeremy. I just can't believe he's gone. I feel for his wife and family. Were gonna miss u big worm! We’re gonna carry on for you like you would for us. We will always be brothers and I will keep your memory alive forever…"
– Mulisha team-mate and close friend Jeremy "Tiwtch" Stenberg

"Jeremy was a gifted athlete and an innovator. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jeremy's wife, Lauren, his parents Gina and Chuck and to the entire Lusk family."
– X Games senior vice president, Rick Alessandri

"Jeremy Lusk had emerged as one of the world's best freestyle moto riders as proven at last year's X Games. He was a tremendous athlete and competitor and represented the sport of freestyle motocross very well."
– X Games vice president and general manager, Chris Stiepock