On September 7, 2024, Harry Leary passed away due to heat exhaustion in the Arizona desert. He leaves a lasting impact on the BMX world.
Key Takeaways
- Harry Leary was a professional bicycle motocross (BMX) racer who was nicknamed ‘Turbo’ for his aggressive racing style.
- On September 7, 2024, Harry Leary succumbed to heat exhaustion in the Arizona desert. He was 65 years old at the time of his passing.
- Harry Leary’s legacy and influences are reflected in the tributes and messages people have shared.
Harry Leary, born February 22, 1959, was a legendary professional BMX racer.
They initially nicknamed him “Scary Harry Leary” and then “Turbo” for his aggressive, elbows-out racing style.
Since he began racing in 1974, Harry Leary had raced in almost every year since then.
His career had been nothing sort of iconic, dedicated, and influential.
Unfortunately, USA BMX revealed that Harry Leary had passed away on September 7, 2024.
They reveal the cause of demise as heat exhaustion in the Arizona desert.
Harry Leary was 65 years old at the time of his passing.
Known for his style, speed, and dedication, Harry Leary left a lasting impact on the sport.
His extraordinary talent and never-ending dedication earned him a place in the BMX Hall of Fame in 1986 as a second-year inductee.
Moreover, he has contributed to the BMX industry by working with various brands.
He worked with brands like Western State Imports, Balance, and Marzocchi.
Harry Leary also founded his own brand, Dirtwerx, in the late 1990s.
Furthermore, he also served as a faithful worship leader for Sunday’s Church in the Dirt Services on the National Circuit.
Harry Leary is survived by his mother, Beverly Blodgett, his sisters, Linda Taylor and Cammie Laster, and his daughter, Breyana.
Harry Leary’s legacy endures in the lives he influenced, which is reflected in the heartfelt tributes and messages they posted.
The General Manager at the National Headquarters of USA BMX, Scott Shope, expressed that the BMX world had lost a legend with Harry Leary’s passing.
Furthermore, he stated that Harry was not only his childhood hero but also his close friend.
The BMX world lost a legend. My childhood hero, Harry Leary, has passed. Harry was a lot of things. He was aggressive, fun, controversial, solid, inspirational, and tough. Beyond all that though, Harry was my good friend. RIP brother, you will be sorely missed.
Via Facebook
Former American bicycler Stu Thomsen expressed deep sorrow over Harry’s passing and wished him eternal peace.
Suck beyond belief that Harry Leary is no longer with us. May he rest in eternal peace.
Via Facebook
The Lords Prayer
Our Father who art in Heaven hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever.
Amen
Similarly, countless people have shared their condolences and heartfelt tributes, honoring Harry Leary’s legacy.
During this time of mourning, Harry Leary’s family has asked for privacy and for the BMX community to give them space.
Those who wish to honor Harry’s memory are encouraged to cherish the spirit of BMX and extend acts of kindness in his name.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- In 1981, Harry Leary unexpectedly finished 2nd in both the American Bicycle Association and the National Bicycle League, which marked his breakthrough season.
- Harry Leary briefly retired from racing in 1989 before returning to race in the early 1990s.
R.I.P. Leary ,
Awesomeness to watch on the track. Good times 👍
Thank you for being there Azusa CA 1982 Azusa(ABA) Track .