On Thursday, Jan. 24, snowmobiler Caleb Moore died after suffering injuries caused in a crash during the snowmobile freestyle finals at the X-Games in Aspen, Colo. This is the first death during the Winter X-Games and has many people questioning how safe this particular event is.
The event has been part of the Winter X-Games for more than a decade, but after the Jan. 24 crash that left one rider with a separated pelvis and led to Moore’s death four days later, other snowmobilers, action sports stars, fans and programmers at ESPN are re-examining the event.
In the crash, the 25-year-old from Krum, Texas and a four time X-Games medalist landed on his head. He later died from injuries related to the accident.
“I think it left a lot of people kind of shocked,” David Cate, an X-Games fan, said. “I mean, people get hurt all the time doing this kind of stuff, but no one’s ever died during the Winter X-Games.”
Other people who often like to participate in winter sports say this is a wake up to anyone who does not practice safety when skiing, snowboarding and, particularly, snowmobiling.
“All these things are really fun to do and this kid was a pro,” Ryan Hickenbottom, participant of winter sports, said. “But no one ever thinks anything really bad is going to happen until it does. That’s why you always have to practice safety and take any measures to prevent injuries.”
Hickenbottom said that sometimes, even when people are being as safe as possible, things can happen, like in Moore’s case, so they always have to be prepared and never try anything if you’re not sure about it.
Chelsea Lawson, the Moore family’s spokeswoman said in a statement that “When the world’s best compete at the highest level in any sport, risks remain. Caleb was a four-time X Games medalist attempting a move he has landed several times previously.”
“It is really sad that this happened,” Mike Ward, X-Games enthusiast, said. “It also makes it worse that he was from somewhere close by and many people from this area probably knew him. I can’t imagine what the family is going through.”
In the statement from Lawson, Moore is remembered.
“He will be remembered for his natural passion for life and his deep love for his family and friends, and he will always be an inspiration to everyone he touched in the action sports community.”
