Mike Cinqmars was a freestyle motocross pioneer who made a name for himself in the extreme sports world. He was one of the first riders to perform backflips, 360s, and other daring tricks on his motorcycle. He won the silver medal at the first X Games freestyle event in 1999, and appeared in numerous motocross videos and shows. He was also known for his charismatic personality and adventurous spirit. However, his life and career were cut short by a tragic accident that left him paralyzed and depressed. He died on December 11, 2009, at the age of 31, but the exact cause of his death remains a mystery to this day.
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The Accident That Changed His Life
Mike Cinqmars was born on June 30, 1978, in San Bernardino, California. He started riding motorcycles at the age of five, and soon developed a passion for the sport. He began competing in local races and events, and quickly gained recognition for his skills and style. He was inspired by the likes of Jeremy McGrath, Ricky Carmichael, and Travis Pastrana, and wanted to push the boundaries of what was possible on a bike.
In 1999, he got his big break when he was invited to compete in the first X Games freestyle motocross event. He stunned the crowd and the judges with his impressive performance, which included a backflip, a 360, and a no-handed landing. He finished second behind Travis Pastrana, and became an instant star in the action sports scene. He was hailed as one of the originators of freestyle motocross, and earned the nickname “Cinq”.
He continued to ride and innovate, and appeared in several motocross videos, such as Crusty Demons of Dirt, God Bless the Freaks, and Disposable Hero. He also performed in live shows, such as the Gravity Games and the Nuclear Cowboyz. He was known for his fearless attitude and his willingness to try new and dangerous tricks. He was also a fun-loving and friendly person, who enjoyed hanging out with his friends and fans.
However, his life took a dramatic turn in 2001, when he suffered a devastating crash while filming his own biographical video, 35/01 My Trip. He attempted a 120-foot jump over a house, but lost control of his bike in mid-air and landed on his back. He broke his back in two places, and damaged his spinal cord. He was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent several surgeries and treatments. He survived, but he was left paralyzed from the waist down. He was told he would never walk or ride again.
The Struggle With Depression and Addiction
Mike Cinqmars did not give up on his dreams, and tried to overcome his disability. He learned to use a wheelchair, and even got back on a bike with the help of a custom-made seat and harness. He also got involved in other sports, such as wheelchair basketball and hand cycling. He tried to stay positive and hopeful, and to inspire others with his story.
However, he also faced many challenges and difficulties in his new life. He suffered from chronic pain, infections, and complications from his injuries. He also struggled with depression, anxiety, and loneliness. He felt isolated and alienated from his former friends and peers in the motocross world. He missed the thrill and excitement of riding, and the fame and recognition he had enjoyed. He felt like he had lost his identity and purpose.
He turned to alcohol and drugs to cope with his emotional and physical pain. He became addicted to prescription painkillers, such as OxyContin and Vicodin, and also used cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. He spent most of his time at his home in Hesperia, California, where he lived alone with his dogs. He rarely went out or socialized with anyone. He became withdrawn and reclusive, and avoided the media and the public eye.
He also had financial and legal troubles. He lost most of his sponsors and income after his accident, and had to pay for his medical bills and expenses. He also faced several lawsuits and charges, such as driving under the influence, possession of drugs, and assault. He was arrested several times, and spent some time in jail. He tried to get help and treatment for his addiction and depression, but he relapsed and failed to stay sober.
The Mysterious Death
On December 10, 2009, Mike Cinqmars was found unconscious at his home by his sister, Cassey Fisher. She called 911, and he was taken to the Desert Valley Hospital in Victorville, California. He was pronounced dead at 2:08 a.m. on December 11, 2009. He was 31 years old.
The cause of his death was not immediately clear, and an autopsy was performed by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner’s Department. However, the autopsy failed to determine what killed him, and the results were inconclusive. The coroner’s office said that further tests and investigations were needed to establish the cause of death, and that it could take several weeks or months to get the final report.
However, the final report was never released to the public, and the cause of death remains unknown to this day. The coroner’s office did not respond to requests for information or comment, and the case was closed without any explanation or resolution. The family and friends of Mike Cinqmars were left in the dark, and without any closure or justice.
Some speculated that he died of a drug overdose, or a heart attack, or a complication from his injuries. Some suggested that he committed suicide, or that he was murdered. Some even claimed that there was a conspiracy or a cover-up involved, and that someone was trying to hide the truth. However, none of these theories were ever confirmed or proven, and no evidence or witnesses were ever found or presented.
The death of Mike Cinqmars remains a mystery that haunts the motocross community and the action sports world. He was a legend and a pioneer, who inspired and influenced many riders and fans. He was also a human being, who suffered and struggled, and who deserved respect and dignity. He was a son, a brother, a friend, and a hero, who left behind a legacy and a memory that will never be forgotten.
