Kelly McGarry, mountain bike legend, dies after ‘medical event’ on New Zealand trail: reports

The freeride world lost a legend on Feb. 1, when Kelly McGarry, the rider famous for—among other things—defying gravity at the 2013 Red Bull Rampage, passed away in Queenstown, New Zealand.

McGarry was 33 years old.

Precise details about the circumstances of McGarry’s passing have yet to be disclosed, but according to his sponsor, YT Industries, he was out riding his bike at the time of his death. As reported by the Otago Daily Times, emergency services responded to reports of an incident on the Ben Lomond Track, a popular—and challenging—1,748m climb for hikers and mountain bikers in New Zealand.

“Police,” reports indicated, “said the call was to a report of a male having fallen from his bike and requiring urgent medical assistance.” Kelvin Perriman, territory manager for the region, confirmed that the incident had occurred.

“It looks like it’s been a medical event,” Perriman said. “We’ve flown two paramedics from Queenstown up there. It is apparently at the back of the Ben Lomond track—it is a fairly remote area only accessed by helicopter. We believe it’s a gentleman in his late 30s declared deceased at the scene.”

Further reports noted that the world-renowned New Zealand freerider had died after “collapsing.”

McGarry got his start in BMX, but quickly became known as one of the world’s top daredevil mountain bikers, earning himself legendary status in the scene. One of McGarry’s most celebrated—and jaw-dropping—achievements was the move he pulled during 2013’s Red Bull Rampage, when he backflipped across a 72-foot Utah canyon, catching it all on his GoPro. His on-board footage of the incredible, white-knuckle ride was shared on YouTube, and to date, has been viewed over 28 million times.

In a release published by YT Industries, the Kiwi rider was praised as the embodiment of everything good about his discipline.

“We were informed about his death in the morning and are petrified, shocked and heartbroken about losing one of our family members,” the release said. “Kelly was a warm-hearted, friendly and relaxed guy. He stood for the true essence of mountain biking through every aspect of his life. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, girlfriend and his friends. The mountain bike world lost an exceptional character.”

“We consider it an honour that Kelly was riding for the YT Family last year,” the release concluded. “Ride in paradise!”