Freestyle mountain biker Jordie Lunn, originally from Parksville, has been killed in a trail riding accident in Mexico. (Facebook)
FATAL CRASH

Parksville mountain bike free-rider killed in crash in Mexico

Oct 11, 2019 | 3:26 AM

PARKSVILLE — Canadian mountain bike racer Jordie Lunn has been killed in a trail riding crash in Mexico.

The 36-year-old rider, originally from Parksville, was riding with friends in Cabo San Lucas on Wednesday Oct. 9, when the accident occurred.

In 2003, Lunn was one of the highest ranked North American downhill racers.

After his successful racing career, Lunn turned his attention to free-riding and capturing trails on camera. He continued to showcase his skills at Red Bull Rampage and Crankworx shows.

Lunn was passionate about mountain biking, especially the reaction from fans. He said in interviews he was motivated by kids who scream “do a backflip”.

Darren Berrecloth, a friend of Lunn’s who rode with him in Mexico, said in a statement that Lunn was like family.

“He was a brother to me as we grew up in a small town with nothing other than our parents’ love and our determination to ride bikes, have fun and get rad. Whether it was lighting each other’s hair on fire or chasing each other around with a potato cannon, we islanders always have done things our own way.”

Lunn was known in the mountain biking community for his friendly demeanour, gentle nature and passion for mountain biking.

“He was always an inspiration to me to be honest,” Berrecloth said. “His ability to see the positive in everything when I was down was uplifting. He had the heart of a lion and the hug of a grizzly bear.”

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

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