Last week, veteran X Games BMX Dirt and Park rider Troy McMurray was hospitalized at a Denver, Colo. area hospital and diagnosed with multiple pulmonary embolisms. McMurray, now in his late 30s, lives and works in the Denver area, and continues to ride from time to time. He turned pro in 1995, and boasted sponsors that included S&M Bikes, Puma Footwear (where he had a signature shoe) and XS components. He had ridden in multiple X Games events, executed notorious one-handed 360s for S&M ads, and was once awarded the "Tough As Nails" trophy by the organizers of the Bicycle Stunt Series for his efforts. McMurray was also one of the early pioneers of brakeless and pegless riders, innovating moves such as truckdriver fakes, 360s to smith grinds and barspin gaps. In 2002, McMurray left the pro spotlight and returned to full-time work as a carpenter.
"Sometimes, you just got to get out of the way of somebody else's dreams. I feel that I had my time in the sun and that it was time for someone else to shine and achieve their dreams," said McMurray in a 2010 interview with ESPN.
Last week, locals in the Denver area reported that McMurray was hospitalized for blood clots on his lungs, which were later diagnosed as multiple pulmonary embolisms (blockages in the arteries in his lungs.) On top of a lengthy hospital stay, McMurray will require medical assistance in the future, and he will not be able to return to work anytime soon. Ted Van Orman, a Denver local, recently set up a medical fundraiser site to raise funds for McMurray and his family. "Troy is not one to ask for help, but with his second daughter on the way, his family could really use a boost," said Van Orman. "He has been an inspiration to many of us in the BMX world and any kind of donation would be greatly appreciated by Troy and his family."
Donations are being accepted here.
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