Pro FMX rider Jeff 'Ox' Kargola dies at 2011 Rip to the Tip in Mexico
The professional freestyle motocross rider Jeff 'Ox' Kargola passed away on Friday, April 29, after crashing while participating in the 2011 Monster Energy Rip to the Tip Baja adventure ride
in Mexico.
According to sources close to the pro FMX rider, he crashed in a section of whoops and ended up with a punctured lung. The fall initially rendered the 27-year-old unconscious, but was reported
to be sound and speaking while he, along with the rest of the ride group, awaited the arrival of the Life Flight Chopper to fly him off to the hospital. It is reported that he took his last breath en route to the Buen Pastor hospital in San Felipe in Mexico.
According to the executive director of American Freestyle Motocross Association, Leah Steiger, Kargola sustained a head injury which, accompanied by internal bleeding, led to the rider’s
death.
Kargola, along with 30 other riders, was taking part in the Rip to the Top, which is a non-racing, eight-day ride from Tecate, Mexico, to the tip of Cabo San Lucas. Kargola’s Metal Mulisha
team-mate Cameron Steele was the mind behind the 1,376 adventure ride. Reportedly, Steele and teammates Ryan Hagy and Trigger Gumm were around the 27-year-old Kargola in his final moments.
Resident of San Clemente, California, Kargola started riding at the age of 12 and turned pro at 16. In his 25-year career, he has accomplished more than what most would probably accomplish
in multiple lifetimes. A member of the Metal Mulisha FMX team and an X Games silver medallist, he had earned himself an impressive reputation in both FMX and off-road community over the years. In March, he had managed to triumph in the second round of the
2011 series at Firebird Raceway in Chandler, Arizona. He finished the 4-stop series in sixth place.
"I know Brian [Deegan] and the boys are devastated," Steiger said. "The Metal Mulisha is their family and Jeff was like their brother. He will be sincerely and severely missed by everyone
in the action sports community."
Other than a FMX rider, Kargola also possessed impressive surfing skills. He was fearless and did not cower in front of a challenge.
The director of the forthcoming Metal Mulisha video “Black Friday”, Jay Schweitzer, said, “He was [an] ... all-or-nothing kind of guy, but he could also handle a bike better than just about
anybody in the world. I can't even believe the news that he's gone. Just last week I was out shooting with him at Danimal's and he was at the top of his game, riding like I'd never seen him ride before.”
The motorsport rider is the second tragic loss for Mulisha in just two years, with Jeremy Lusk dying after an FMX event in Costa Rica in February, 2009.
We send our deepest condolences to Kargola’s family and friends and pray that his soul rests in peace.
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