Stephen Murray: One Year Later
June 19, 2008 – 1:08 am PT by GregTags: AST, Panasonic Open, Stephen Murray —
On June 20, 2007, Stephen Murray suffered a horrific crash while competiting in the BMX Dirt finals at the Panasonic Open, the first stop of the AST Dew Tour. Now, one year later, he will be back in Baltimore to be at the event for the finals. While he’s still confined to a wheelchair and yet to regain use of his arms and legs, Murray’s improvement over the last 12 months has been amazing. Through the help of Dr. John W. McDonald, who was Christopher Reeve’s physician, Murray has hopes of being able to walk again in the future.
Meanwhile, at his home in Riverside, wife Melissa has help in taking care of Stephen and their two sons, Seth and Mason. While five-year-old Seth is at school, a nanny watches three-year-old Mason and allows Melissa to help Stephen start his day and go through phyiscal therapy with a visiting nurse or on-site therapist.
We visited Stephen and his family in May, before he left to return to Baltimore for more treatment with Dr. McDonald to appear at the Dew Tour. Murray was in good spirits, especially after a visit by friends Luke Parslow and TJ Ellis, and talked about his new “Stay Strong” merchandise line featuring different designs incorporating the phrase which became a rallying cry for his fellow athletes last year.
Murray is also releasing a new Oakley sunglass model and has friend TJ Lavin releasing a single named “Soldier” which is dedicated to Murray. On top of all that, Murray is setting up a new foundation which will help children who don’t have the means to get treatment for their injuries. It’s a busy time.
But Murray still takes time to spend with his wife and kids, and encourages Seth as he rides his bike in their yard.
Check out some photos and video from the visit, with some more to come. And be sure to check out Stephen Murray on the BMX Dirt broadcast at 12 midnight on USA network. Also coming Friday is the debut of the video for TJ Lavin’s “Soldier.”
Keep up with all the updates re: Stephen on our Stephen Murray update page and visit www.stephenmurrayfamilyfund.com to donate to help Stephen and his family.
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8 Responses to “Stephen Murray: One Year Later”
Kill it Stephen!!! Good luck Bro.
By DK on Jun 20, 2008
Stephen, I was volunteering for the Dew Tour last year, and saw the crash with my own eyes. You have no idea how happy it made me to look across the stands this year the a the Dew Tour, as I was volunteering for a second year, to see you in that tent at BMX Park. Glad to see things coming together, and inspired by your dedication and will. Keep with it, we’re all cheering for you.
By JM on Jun 23, 2008
It’s great to see the progress being made, I haven’t forgotten my promise to do some fundraising over here and will be in touch in August upon return from mozambique. We are building a scool for kids over there. Keep going and keep believing.
By Iain Calder on Jun 25, 2008
Hi Stephen
We are so pleased to hear about your progress. and are keeping our fingers crossed for a alot more to come in the future. Always thinking of you, take care and love to all the family.
By Gill,John,Simon&Martin on Jun 29, 2008
I was at Craig with you. I got gimped out riding moto. While we were at Craig I enjoyed you and Mellisa’s company. Anyway I am always looking on line to check out your progress. If you are ever in oregon look me up. How do I get a pair of your signature Oakley’s.
By Mark Derr on Jul 6, 2008
Stephen, i grew up watching you and i have always admired you. You have always been my favorite rider and I am so happy to hear about how well your doing man. Stay Strong.
By cody on Jul 27, 2008
hello stevie good to see your doing alright.i’v been follow your progress a bit ever since alex dicks dad informed me of the accident.the shit u started doing on that bike something was bound to happen sooner or later,you were off the scale but just remember who was twistin first bitch.if u get to read this stay stong”i wear the band with pride”and say hi to the folks for me and that bum of a brother of yours.thinkin of you all the rat man.
By rowan rat fryer on Jul 27, 2008
I have always been a huge fan of you stephen. My father and I had plans to go to the dew tour in ‘07 just so i could watch you. Sadly an hour before we were going to leave my dad received a call that my aunt did not survive her cancer. I felt really bad about not going to the dew tour. I wish u the best of luck. You WILL recover. Stay Strong Stephen.
By Travis Mareno on Aug 4, 2008