Colin Winkelmann

Who was Colin Winkelmann?

Colin Winklemann was a professional freestyle BMX rider and was the 2000 World record holder for 'Longest BMX Jump'. He rode for DK Bicycles, taking 2nd place in the 2002 Toronto LaRevolution Street contest.

He started riding as a young child in Okinawa, Japan where his father was stationed at a military base. It was in Japan where he first saw magazines and videos about BMX and freestyle and started trying to do some tricks. He attempted dangerous stunts such as jumping 116 feet over 13 Ford Explorer sport utility vehicles, for which he earned an entry into the Guinness Book of Records.

In July 2004, Colin attempted a stunt that involved a ramp mounted on the hood of a van that was driving toward him as he rode toward it. He failed in the attempt, suffering severe injuries, including breaking both ankles, fracturing a vertebra, and breaking several bones in his wrist. He also dislocated his ankle and right foot.

Immediately following the crash, Colin was rushed by ambulance to the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore where he began a long rehabilitation. Following extensive surgery on his shattered ankles Colin was put in a stable situation, although it was unclear whether he would be able to ride again. Six months on from the crash, he was able to walk unassisted, although notably with a limp. However despite this progress, Colin found his injuries and his inability to ride too distressing. On 9 August 2005, Colin committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning from the exhaust pipes of his motorbike in his garage at his home in Greenville, NC.