X-Games medalist dies after training accident in California, police say

CAL Fire San Diego, CHP and San Diego County Sheriff's deputies responded to the private facility just before 3 p.m. Tuesday

NBC Universal, Inc.

The dirt bike rider who was killed in a crash Tuesday afternoon east of Ramona has been identified by the San Diego County medical examiner.

X Games star Pat Casey died at the Slayground Motocross Park, a private motocross facility near Sutherland Dam Road. The 29-year-old rider missed his landing and the motorcycle appeared to fall on top of him, CHP Officer Jared Grieshaber said on Tuesday.

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An image of Casey with his family — @chasecasey/Instagram

Witnesses at the facility, who reported the crash at around 3 p.m., gave Casey CPR until they were relieved by emergency responders, who continued CPR until about 3:40 p.m. when he was pronounced dead, according to Cal Fire San Diego spokesperson Brent Pascua. On Wednesday, Pascua told NBC 7 it took crews a “normal time” to get to the scene — less than 15 minutes, adding that dispatchers talked bystanders through CPR until first-responders arrived.

The facility is privately owned by Encinitas-native motocross rider Axell Hodges and is regularly used for motocross training as well as some X Games events, according to the X Games website.

NBC 7 San Diego
An aerial shot of the Slayground shot by SkyRanger 7 on Tuesday.

Because the collision occurred on private property, the collision and related death are being investigated by the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

Casey, who medaled multiple times at the X Games, grew up in Yorba Linda, California, and pioneered a variety of tricks, according to a profile on Vans "Off the Wall" team member website, including a "double decade" and a "backflip decade."

The rider is survived by his wife, Chase, and their two young children. Reached for comment by NBC 7 on Wednesday, she said, " “He is our everything. He is the best at everything he does and brings so much happiness to all. The most perfect man, my soulmate.”

Shortly after noon on Wednesday, the X Games posted a tribute on Instagram:

We are deeply saddened by Pat Casey’s passing and our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, children, parents and siblings.

A true legend in the action sports community, Pat will always be a member of the X Games family and an inspiration to everyone’s life he touched.

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