U.S. motorbiker dies in Costa Rica after fatal flip

Freestyle motocross star Jeremy Lusk died late Monday night of injuries sustained during a crash at Saturday´s X-Knights competition at Costa Rica´s Ricardo Saprissa Stadium, in Tibás. He was 24.

Lusk, of Temecula, Calif., suffered “severe brain trauma” and possible spinal cord injuries from the accident, according to Dr. Jorge Ramírez, critical care medicine specialist at Calderón Guardia Hospital in San José. A gold medal winner at the 2008 X Games, Lusk fell on his head while attempting a backflip Saturday evening, and arrived at Calderón hospital in a coma.

Doctors performed surgery, lowered his body temperature and maintained Lusk in a medicine-induced coma in attempts to reduce brain swelling, Ramírez said. After attempts to raise Lusk´s blood pressure failed, he suffered a heart attack and passed away with his parents, wife Lauren, in-laws and fellow members of Metal Mulisha motocross team at his side.

At press time, hundreds of fans had posted messages on a Web site to raise money to help pay Lusk´s medical costs, Prayforjeremylusk.blogspot.com, created by his supporters.

“He is now with our Heavenly Father and is at peace,” a posting on the Web site announced Tuesday. “We know he is performing sick tricks for all those in Heav en to crowds greater than we have ever seen. We will miss you Pitbull! ”