FMX Rider Jim McNeil's Death Reminds Us of Dangers of Extreme Sports

FMX rider Jim McNeil died during practice on Sunday, sending shock waves through the entire sports community and reminding us all just how risky partaking in extreme sports actually is.

Everyone involved in extreme sports knows danger is always looming and that fatalities are a very real possibility. It's often unspoken, but those partaking know the risks all too well.

This unfortunate and untimely death happened to an accomplished and well-received rider. Jay Schweitzer, director of the On The Pipe films, said, "Jim was truly the nicest rider I have ever filmed and didn't have a bad bone in his body. Jim truly put the 'real' in McNeil The Real Deal."

Obviously fellow riders are distraught and saddened by the news of McNeil's passing, but it's clear McNeil affected far more people than just his close friends and family.

Track announcer Amanda Wright had this to say:

This death comes less than a month after Dan Wheldon's fatal Indy car accident. This is yet another worst-case scenario that results in the loss of a well-liked athlete who suffered an unlucky fate.

Safety precautions and technological advances aren't always enough to protect athletes who live life to push themselves to the limit and flirt with disaster on a daily basis.

It is clear McNeil will be missed by all who knew him.