Winter X Games snowmobiler dies after Colo. crash

[ChiTown]

RIP - watched that live, and couldn't believe he initially got up and walked away.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/winter-x-games-snowmobiler-dies-180656530--spt.html

DENVER (AP) -- Caleb Moore, an innovative freestyle snowmobile rider who was hurt in a dramatic crash at the Winter X Games in Colorado, died Thursday morning. He was 25.
Moore had been staying at a hospital in Grand Junction since the crash in Aspen one week before. Family spokeswoman Chelsea Lawson confirmed his death, the first in the 18 year history of the X Games.
''He lived his life to the fullest. He was inspiration,'' Lawson said.
A former all-terrain vehicle racer, Moore switched over to snowmobiles as a teenager and quickly rose to the top of the sport. He won four Winter X Games medals, including a bronze last season when his younger brother, Colten, captured gold.
Caleb Moore was attempting a backflip Jan. 24 in the freestyle event when the skis on his 450-pound snowmobile caught the lip of the landing area, sending him flying over the handlebars. Moore landed face first into the snow with his snowmobile rolling over him.
Moore stayed down for quite some time, before walking off with help and going to a hospital to treat a concussion. Moore developed bleeding around his heart and was flown to a hospital in Grand Junction for surgery. The family later said that Moore, of Krum, Texas, also had a complication involving his brain.
Colten Moore was injured in a separate crash that same night. He suffered a separated pelvis in the spill.
The family said in a statement they were grateful for all the prayers and support they have received from people around the world.
X Games officials expressed their condolences and said Moore, a four-time X Games medalist, would be remembered ''for his natural passion for life and his deep love for his family and friends.''
B.C. Vaught, Caleb Moore's agent for almost a decade, said he first saw Moore when he was racing an ATV in Minnesota and signed him up to star in some action sports movies.
Later, Moore wanted to make the switch from ATVs to snowmobiles and Vaught helped him. A natural talent, it only took Moore two weeks to master a difficult backflip.
Moore's brother also got involved in snowmobiling, the close-knit duo pushing each other to become better.
Moore honed his skills in Krum, a town about 5,000 people 50 miles northwest of Dallas that rarely sees snow. Instead, he worked on tricks by launching his sled into a foam pit. After a brief training run on snow ramps in Michigan, he was ready for his sport's biggest stage - the 2010 Winter X Games.
In that contest, Moore captured a bronze in freestyle and finished sixth in best trick. Two years later, his biography on ESPN said, ''Caleb Moore has gone from 'beginner's luck' to 'serious threat.'''
That was hardly a surprise to Vaught, who said, ''Whatever he wanted to do, he did it.''
Vaught said Moore didn't believe his sport was too extreme, but rather ''it was a lifestyle.'' He was good at it - along with ATV racing - as he accumulated a garage full of trophies.
Fellow snowmobile rider Levi LaVallee recently described Moore as a ''fierce competitor.''
''A very creative mind,'' LaVallee said. ''I've watched him try some crazy, crazy tricks and some of them were successful, some of them not so much. But he was first guy to get back on a sled and go try it again. It shows a lot of heart.''
X Games officials said in a statement that they would conduct a thorough review of freestyle snowmobiling events and adopt any appropriate changes.
''For 18 years, we have worked closely on safety issues with athletes, course designers and other experts. Still, when the world's best compete at the highest level in any sport, risks remain,'' they said, noting that Moore was hurt performing a move he had done several times before.

[HolyHat]

This is somehow the NFLs fault, I know it!

[ChiefMojo]

Quite sad but he knew the risks in such a highly dangerous sport.

[Old Dog]

It's amazing someone had't been killed in some of the X-games stuff before. Some of it passed insanity about three exits back.

That said, RIP.

[Deberg_1990]

video of incident?

[DaFace]

I feel bad for the guy and his family obviously, but the first time I watched that on TV my first reaction was "How do people not get killed doing that?"

Seems like that has to be one of the most dangerous sports the X-Games have.

[Deberg_1990]

video of incident?

Full routine. He bites it at 1:00 minute in.


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uCMiHILA6lo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[HolyHat]

The crazt thing is, the kid got up and walked away. Where is Clay? come Gif. this accident

[The Franchise]

Full routine. He bites it at 1:00 minute in.


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uCMiHILA6lo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Damn.....just from his head hitting the snow like that? I know it's packed down and shit.....but the snowmobile didn't even touch him.

[Skyy God]

It's amazing someone had't been killed in some of the X-games stuff before. Some of it passed insanity about three exits back.

That said, RIP.

Chick died last year.

[Sorter]

ban assault snowmobiles.

[ShowtimeSBMVP]

RIP

[Skyy God]

ban assault snowmobiles.

You're better than this, Sorter.

[HolyHat]

ban assault snowmobiles.

This.

[Sorter]

You're better than this, Sorter.

Could you imagine assault kitties on assault snowmobiles with assault rifles?


We need to build an army of these for our future battles against the soviets in the Siberian winters.

[HolyHat]

Could you imagine assault kitties on assault snowmobiles with assault rifles?


We need to build an army of these for our future battles against the soviets in the Siberian winters.

and now I've pissed myself Sorter, thanks.

[Old Dog]

Chick died last year.

That didn't happen in an actual X-games competition unless I'm mistaken.

[FlaChief58]

and now I've pissed myself Sorter, thanks.

We need more bladder control!

[Fish]

Damn.....just from his head hitting the snow like that? I know it's packed down and shit.....but the snowmobile didn't even touch him.

Looked to me like the snowmobile came down right on his face...

[Ceej]

Looked to me like the snowmobile came down right on his face...

I saw it the same way.

[Sorter]

http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/pulp/crazy-kitten-with-gun.jpg

+


http://www.kittycatsnowmobiles.com/photos/1985-kitty-cat-snowmobile.jpg

= US Forces dominating in winter elements.


I for one, welcome our new assault kitties on snowmobiles overlords.

[HolyHat]

http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/pulp/crazy-kitten-with-gun.jpg

+


http://www.kittycatsnowmobiles.com/photos/1985-kitty-cat-snowmobile.jpg

= US Forces dominating in winter elements.


I for one, welcome our new assault kitties on snowmobiles overlords.

Sorter, you son of a bitch I just changed my pants.

[HolyHat]

That bow is hot though, amirite?

[Skyy God]

That didn't happen in an actual X-games competition unless I'm mistaken.

Practice, which I'd argue falls under the fairly broad umbrella of "X-games stuff".

[Sorter]

Sorter, you son of a bitch I just changed my pants.

LMAOLMAO

[HolyHat]

Practice, which I'd argue falls under the fairly broad umbrella of "X-games stuff".

kind of like "X's and O's games" ?

[Sorter]

That bow is hot though, amirite?

The snowmobile even says "Kitty Cat".


The Ruskies are fucked. Big time.

[HolyHat]

The snowmobile even says "Kitty Cat".


The Ruskies are ****ed. Big time.

yeah, no chance. Attach some aids missiles just to top things off?

[Sorter]

yeah, no chance. Attach some aids missiles just to top things off?

Oh, I'm sure it has already been planned.

[Dunerdr]

Personally met him and his brother colten at little sahara once cool down to earth guys he will be missed. Rooted for him after buying the fallout vol.1 and seeing him race the TQRA. I urge you guys to checkout some of his stuff on youtube @ Bshipmanfilms . This really hits home for me looked up to him as a rider, racer, and freestylist. Sad to see a guy i followed as a local pro go out like this. But he went out with his boots on and thats all any of us can ask for.

[Demonpenz]

guess he had a one track mind

[TheGuardian]

Could you imagine assault kitties on assault snowmobiles with assault rifles?


We need to build an army of these for our future battles against the soviets in the Siberian winters.

I legit LOL'd.

[Rain Man]

Sometimes stuff like this makes me think that it's not a good idea to do back flips on large pieces of machinery.

It's too bad the guy died, but I watched that clip and that seems like the dumbest and most boring sport on earth. You jump a snowmobile off a ramp and then stand on your seat. Big deal. You jump a ramp and then spin on your seat. Was anybody still watching when he tried the flip?

[TheGuardian]

Sometimes stuff like this makes me think that it's not a good idea to do back flips on large pieces of machinery.

It's too bad the guy died, but I watched that clip and that seems like the dumbest and most boring sport on earth. You jump a snowmobile off a ramp and then stand on your seat. Big deal. You jump a ramp and then spin on your seat. Was anybody still watching when he tried the flip?

I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels that way.

How we come up with these "sports" I have no idea. Are we really this bored as a nation?

[DJ's left nut]

This year's X-Games have been a blood bath.

He died. His younger brother separated his pelvis on the same jump and I believe is still in the hospital. Another guy came off his snowmobile in the air, lodged the throttle and rocketed it into the crowd before falling 30 feet to the ground (remarkably, no major injuries). A woman severed her lower lumbar and is partially paralyzed, another guy came off a board and fell about 40 feet down and landed on his dome; carted off the hill unconscious but evidently only a concussion.

It certainly appears that this year has shown us where the line is because this number of injuries appears to be far beyond the pale.

[Rain Man]

This year's X-Games have been a blood bath.

He died. His younger brother separated his pelvis on the same jump and I believe is still in the hospital. Another guy came off his snowmobile in the air, lodged the throttle and rocketed it into the crowd before falling 30 feet to the ground (remarkably, no major injuries). A woman severed her lower lumbar and is partially paralyzed, another guy came off a board and fell about 40 feet down and landed on his dome; carted off the hill unconscious but evidently only a concussion.

It certainly appears that this year has shown us where the line is because this number of injuries appears to be far beyond the pale.

Since we can't kill Nascar drivers any more and since boxers have to use gloves, I guess this is seeking to fill that niche. It's never been the same since the Romans shut down the Colosseum.

[HolyHat]

This year's X-Games have been a blood bath.

He died. His younger brother separated his pelvis on the same jump and I believe is still in the hospital. Another guy came off his snowmobile in the air, lodged the throttle and rocketed it into the crowd before falling 30 feet to the ground (remarkably, no major injuries). A woman severed her lower lumbar and is partially paralyzed, another guy came off a board and fell about 40 feet down and landed on his dome; carted off the hill unconscious but evidently only a concussion.

It certainly appears that this year has shown us where the line is because this number of injuries appears to be far beyond the pale.

Roger Goodell is doing some consulting for the X games next time around, nothing to worry about.

[Titty Meat]

Obamas not sure hed let his kid do the x games

[HolyHat]

Obamas not sure hed let his kid do the x games

Harbaugh says "Great, opens the door for my son to do the X Games"

[alpha_omega]

RIP dude.

I was watching last Thursday and i literally jumped up off the couch and yelled out when i saw the accident. Couldn't believe he walked away.

Tragic...RIP.

[GloryDayz]

He needed more PEDs I guess. Where's Ray Lewis when you need him?

And I think global warming played a hand in this too.

Sorry, that was mean... I'll pray for his family and loved ones...

[Molitoth]

Sad. =(
Poor Kid and family.

[Easy 6]

This year's X-Games have been a blood bath.

He died. His younger brother separated his pelvis on the same jump and I believe is still in the hospital. Another guy came off his snowmobile in the air, lodged the throttle and rocketed it into the crowd before falling 30 feet to the ground (remarkably, no major injuries). A woman severed her lower lumbar and is partially paralyzed, another guy came off a board and fell about 40 feet down and landed on his dome; carted off the hill unconscious but evidently only a concussion.

It certainly appears that this year has shown us where the line is because this number of injuries appears to be far beyond the pale.

Good Lord, i didnt know about all of that.

It will surely get worse as people continue to push the boundaries.

[BlackHelicopters]

RIP

[Jerm]

Since we can't kill Nascar drivers any more and since boxers have to use gloves, I guess this is seeking to fill that niche. It's never been the same since the Romans shut down the Colosseum.

Eric Winston approves.....

[DonInDenver]

I feel for the family, Go with God.

[Hammock Parties]

Wow. I thought he was going to be OK. He walked away.

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2064799/xgamesow.gif

[Sorter]

Wow. I thought he was going to be OK. He walked away.

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2064799/xgamesow.gif

It looks like the snowmobile hit him in the back of the head.

[Hammock Parties]

I'm almost in shock over this. The guy walked off like nothing had happened. The hospital stuff just seemed like they were taking extreme precautions.

I can't even compare it to DT because he was paralyzed and then died later suddenly. Moore was fine...the body is strange...medicine has a ways to go.

[Sorter]

I'm almost in shock over this. The guy walked off like nothing had happened. The hospital stuff just seemed like they were taking extreme precautions.

I can't even compare it to DT because he was paralyzed and then died later suddenly. Moore was fine...the body is strange...medicine has a ways to go.

Shockingly, large equipment landing on the back of your skull after being airborne is not a good idea for our weak bodies/ineffective protection.

In other news, RG3 is actually black.

[Hammock Parties]

RIP

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/920488/moore2_medium.gif

[chefsos]

It looks like the snowmobile hit him in the back of the head.I think it pounded the hell out of him. The nose never touched the snow on that revolution, so it looks like the momentum of the tumbling sled was either stopped by the skis, or by Moore.

[KC native]

I like the X games and like the snowmobile racing, but I think the stunts on a snowmobile are unnecessarily dangerous. If the snowmobiles were about 3-4X lighter, then it would be better. Surprised this is the 1st death from this.

[KC native]

I think it pounded the hell out of him. The nose never touched the snow on that revolution, so it looks like the momentum of the tumbling sled was either stopped by the skis, or by Moore.

Yea, the nose of it got him on the back and head.

[cosmo20002]

Sometimes stuff like this makes me think that it's not a good idea to do back flips on large pieces of machinery.

It's too bad the guy died, but I watched that clip and that seems like the dumbest and most boring sport on earth. You jump a snowmobile off a ramp and then stand on your seat. Big deal. You jump a ramp and then spin on your seat. Was anybody still watching when he tried the flip?

They really should probably re-think the Extreme Zamboni competition set for the next Games.

[Hammock Parties]

This is making X-Games look bad. A year ago Sarah Burke died.

http://xgames.espn.go.com/skiing/article/7484646/female-skiers-react-sarah-burke-death

On January 10, 2012, Burke was seriously injured while training on the Park City Mountain Resort Eagle superpipe in Park City, Utah. This is the same superpipe where snowboarder Kevin Pearce was seriously injured in 2009. Onlookers reported that Burke had completed a trick fairly well yet fell onto her head, and the accident did not appear to be very severe.[13]

Moments later, however, she went into cardiac arrest while still on the ski slope,[14] making her chance of survival extremely low.[15] She was resuscitated and airlifted to the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City, where she was reported to have been placed in an induced coma.[16] The following day, she underwent neurosurgery to repair a tear in a vertebral artery. She succumbed to her injuries on January 19, 2012