GREENVILLE (WNCT) – BMX legendary athlete Dave Mirra died Thursday afternoon in Greenville, North Carolina.

Greenville police responded to the 200 block of Pinewood Road around 4 p.m. for an apparent suicide.

Upon arrival, officers discovered 41-year-old Dave Mirra, of Greenville, sitting in a truck with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He had been visiting friends in the area a short time before the incident.

Considered an icon in the pro-BMX world, Mirra, was instrumental in bringing the sport to the City of Greenville, which now is home to more than 20 professional BMX riders. The record-holding athlete is survived by his wife and two children.

“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. 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,” said city of Greenville Mayor Allen Thomas.

The Greenville Police Department will be handling the death investigation.

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