Jeremy "Pitbull" Lusk, a 24-year-old Temecula resident whose spectacular airborne feats won him action sports stardom, died last week after sustaining major head injuries during a motocross competition in San Jose, Costa Rica.

The accident happened while Lusk was performing with teammates on Saturday, Feb. 7,at an X Knights FMX (Freestyle Motocross) competition. Video footage of his fatal crash has been posted on several Internet sites and his death sparked extensive coverage from American newspapers as far away as Honolulu and Washington, D.C.

Lusk is believed to be the first professional motocross rider to die of injuries suffered in a major competition. He was rushed to Calderon Hospital in Costa Rica, where a spokesman reported he received emergency surgery for severe brain damage and a possible spinal cord injury.

Placed in a medically induced coma following surgery until his death two days later, it was reported that Lusk died from cardiac and respiratory failure with his parents, Chuck and Gina Lusk, and his wife, Lauren, at his side in Costa Rica. Four friends and motocross teammates -- Brian Deegan, Ryan Hagy, Cameron Steele and Erik Apple – were also present, according to media reports and a memorial website.

Memorial services will be held for Lusk at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, at the Revival Christian Fellowship Church, 29220 Scott Road in Menifee, according to the Web site www.prayforjeremylusk.blogspot.com.

In an interview following one of Lusk’s major victories last year, his mother noted his stubborn streak and love of motorcycles at a young age. Gina Lusk also told of her efforts to ground her son with a deep spiritual faith that would carry him through thick and thin.

"I remember sitting on the edge of Jeremy’s bed when he was a teenager," she recalled in an interview with the Valley News. "I said to him, ‘Maybe not everybody understands the new form of freestyle motor sports that you are trying to introduce to the world, but it is your dream and I’ll support you.’"

She recalled emphasizing: "Have faith in the man above." She described her only child as a leader in everything he did. She said her son’s stubbornness sometimes drove her to tears. As an example, Gina Lusk recalled her inability to get her son to wear a dress shirt on the day his school kindergarten picture was being taken.

"He fought me and fought me to wear a Pee Wee Herman shirt that day. I still have the picture. Oh, and he always had to have that mullet hairstyle."

She also cited a memorable conversation that began when her husband urged her to peek into their backyard following an outing.

"I walked back there and oh, my gosh, [Jeremy] had cut down this huge tree, just so he and his buddies could get more air on their jumps with their little 50s. ‘It was in the way,’ he explained."

An excerpt from the Lusk family prayer forum reads: "[Jeremy] is now with our Heavenly Father and is at peace. We know he is performing sick tricks for all those in Heaven to crowds greater than we have ever seen. We will miss you Pitbull!"

Lusk was critically injured when he failed to complete a full rotation while attempting a Hart Attack back flip and slammed headfirst into the dirt. He attempted the maneuver during a 100-foot jump. He had crashed while performing the same trick during a 2007 competition, but did not suffer serious injuries from that mishap.

He appeared to be born to the sport, according to biographical information posted on a website sponsored by his Metal Mulisha team. He was born in San Diego in November Advertisement

[ Chatton and Associates ] 1984. He started riding at age 3, beginning on a motorcycle equipped with a 50 cubic centimeter engine, according to that source. He turned pro at age 19.

Nicknamed "Pitbull" because of his daredevil moves and tenacious riding habits, Lusk had attracted numerous corporate sponsors and he was quickly becoming one of the top riders in the world. Competitions took him throughout the United States and to Poland, Mexico, Spain and Germany. His bio listed Rome as one of his favorite places.

He was a gold medal winner in the 2008 X Games XIV Freestyle competition and snared a silver medal in the 2008 X Games Best Trick contest, which was televised internationally.

A joy in life: Jeremy Lusk remembered

by C.J. "Sparkplug" Stewart

When young people die suddenly it’s especially hard for their peers to cope with the sorrow, loss and mix of emotions. That’s all part of life – gathering experiences and learning to help each other out in times of need.

As parents it’s our job to help our kids in the grieving process by collectively sharing positive thoughts and good times, no matter what their age.

Frank Galante, an action photographer from Temecula, remembers Jeremy Lusk: "Every time I’ve gone out to shoot the boys either at Manny’s Yard or Metzger events, he has always been really friendly. He was always good and well behaved in a group situation.

"I’ve been around these FMX boys for 10 years now. Jeremy was one of the few athletes of such a high caliber that improved so well in such a short time. That’s how he won the X Games gold.

"It was truly an honor to photograph him."

Sun City’s Lance Cantrell, father to FMX rider Destin Cantrell, said, "Jeremy was an incredible person. He was always helping my son with his with his riding skills. They were always having a good time together.

"Destin always said that Jeremy’s parents were a lot like us, very supportive."

Cathy Cantrell, Destin’s mother, said, "Jeremy was always focused, ’cause that’s what it took to be a champion. He wasn’t running around partying all the time. Any mother would have been proud to have called him her son. I would.

"All the boys are on the road right now, including my son. We talk on the phone and not one call can be made without shedding tears over this wreck.

"My son did an [FMX] show today at Children’s Hospital at Loma Linda. I haven’t seen him in a while. I just want to give all of them a hug."

Trabuco Canyon resident Tim Loza, father of FMX rider Kyle Loza, remembers, "Jeremy was very dedicated to all the [fans], playing a leadership role with all the FMX performers. There was a real sincerity with Jeremy. He loved being part of the industry."

"I remember at the Mexico X Games he was running around with ESPN, Twitch, Potter, my son Kyle and Deegan. They were having fun like a bunch of little squirrels," laughed Loza.

Upon reflection, Theresa Loza, Kyle’s mom, said, "I’m a strong Christian woman. To cope I surrender to God every day. Jeremy and my son are right where God wants them to be."

Metal Mulisha’s official photographer, Chris Tedesco, has shot thousands of images of Lush at many events and practice sessions.

"I’ll always remember him for being a really positive guy who was very funny," Tedesco said. "He’d come up with these random phrases and repeat them all day. No matter how corny they were, or how many times he’d overuse the phrase, he’d crack us all up every time.

"My favorite day with him? X Games 2008, when he earned the gold. The celebration was epic."