Dave Mirra's Family Speaks Out Following BMX Icon's Death: We Are 'Shocked and Saddened'

Family and friends as well as fans around the world are grieving the loss of Dave Mirra.

Mirra's agent, Steve Astephen, issued a statement on behalf of his family on Friday, one day following the BMX legend's suicide.

"Dave's wife and family are shocked and saddened by the loss of such a remarkable person whom they loved so deeply," Astephen said in a statement to PEOPLE. "Thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers and for respecting their privacy through this difficult time."

Mirra is survived by his wife Lauren and two children.



Mirra was found dead in Greenville, North Carolina on Thursday from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Just before his death, the former MTV host was visiting with his friends, Kristen Hunter of the Greenville Police Department told PEOPLE.

Greenville Mayor Allen Thomas and Greenville Police Chief Mark Holtzman spoke at a Friday morning press conference. "Dave Mirra was more than just a sports figure... he's a loving member of this community, and that remains," Mayor Thomas said, according to Greenville's WITN-TV.

Mayor Thomas also shared that he and Mirra had a 20-minute conversation outside a local restaurant just hours before his death. He explained that they talked and laughed, and Mirra had exciting things planned for the kids in Greenville.

In addition, Chief Holtzman said the Medical Examiner on scene confirmed Mirra was seated in his own truck and shot himself with his own handgun.