A True Modern-Day Tragedy!

Over 10 years ago, Stephen Murray left his home in New Castle Great Britain, and headed to the United States with dreams of riding with and becoming one of the best BMX racers in the world. However, Stephen quickly found his niche in Dirt Jumping and Freestyle, and gained acclaim for tricks like double and 360 back flips. 2001 and 2002 marked the biggest year for Stephen Murray of his career. He won the Gold Medal in Dirt Jumping at X Games and back to back wins at the Gravity Games, the two biggest contests at the time. Not too long thereafter, Stephen got married and had two baby boys.

The added distractions began becoming apparent in his performance, and his sponsors quickly took notice. With a family to support, and sponsors infectiously dropping off, Stephen knew he would have to do something drastic to return to the elite of the BMX world. On June 22, 2007 during last set of the dirt finals of the Panasonic Open, (the first stop of the AST Dew Tour), he decided to take his chance.

While attempting a double back flip, both of Stephen's feet slipped off the pedals, and he fell violently to the dirt below. He was quickly rushed to the hospital, flat-lining twice on the way. At the hospital, doctors confirmed the fears of Stephen's family and friends. Stephen had landed on his neck, and his spinal cord and vertebrae had been shattered. Even if he were to survive these catastrophic injuries, he would spend the rest of his life paralyzed from the neck down.

HBO's Real Sports, recently did a great story on Stephen, in which Mary Carillo interviewed him to see how he's been dealing and coping with all the challenges of his disabilities. It is in this interview, that you see an individual with a heart of gold and the determination of a true champion. Without a hint of bitterness, he informs Ms. Carillo that his wife recently walked out and left him with two young boys to care for, and he actually seems to be understanding of her inability to face the challenges that were facing her. Contrary to the beliefs of his physicians, and due strictly to his own will, Stephen began breathing without the help of a machine. As a further testament to his strength of character, Stephen has begun to regain slight movements in his wrist and fingers, and says he's determined to one day get out of the chair.

It was in the same HBO interview that its learned, while all BMX riders are required to have medical insurance, almost none of them have coverage for the long-term care needed for injuries like Stephen's, and before his accident opened the eyes of fellow BMX riders, almost all had the most basic coverage. Stephen's family and friends have really networked in caring for him. Two of his closest friends even quit their jobs to care for him full time. However, with insurance covering only the most basic expenses, the cost of medical care and equipment have began to take it's toll. The family now depends on fellow BMX riders, friends, fans, and any other compassionate people who want to do whatever they can to help. They have recently set up the Stephen Murray Family Fund for anyone who feels like they want to do anything to help out, and have even made some merchandise, from which, the proceeds go toward helping Stephen and his family. To the friends and family of Stephen Murray, no amount of help if too little, and all help is greatly needed and appreciated.