Tragic BMX Star Dave Mirra Had Brain Disease

BMX legend Dave Mirra had a brain disease more commonly found in retired American football players when he took his life, his widow has said.

Mirra is the first action sports athlete to be diagnosed with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), reports ESPN's Magazine.

The 41-year-old star - who once held the record for the most X Games medals - died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in February.

Lauren Mirra told ESPN's Magazine about her husband's deteriorating condition in the months leading up to his suicide.

She said she began to notice changes last summer in the father-of-two's moods which "quickly started to get worse".

"Fatigue, definitely, both physically and emotionally," she said. "And forgetfulness, moodiness.

"He would repeat conversations and topics to the point where it was obvious to the person he was talking to but not to him.

"He would dwell on a subject and not want to move on from it."

A neuropathologist told ESPN that Mirra's brain was indistinguishable from those of former football and hockey players who have suffered from CTE.

Mirra, of Greenville, North Carolina, endured a number of concussions during his BMX career.

But he also fractured his skull when he was hit by a car as a teenager and did some boxing after retiring.

Mirra won a medal every year between 1995 and 2008 and chalked up 14 gold medals in total.

His one-time record of 24 career medals was broken in 2013 by Bob Burnquist.

:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK.

In the US call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.