Hundreds of people packed inside Oakley's gigantic auditorium for a tribute to fallen Metal Mulisha rider Jeremy Lusk followed by a sneak peek of the upcoming freestyle/motocross movie
On the Pipe 5.
Motorsports enthusiasts packed inside Oakley’s headquarters in Foothill Ranch, California, for the premiere of the new freestyle/motocross film On the Pipe 5. Filmed and produced by the crew at Powerband Films, the movie features epic, almost surreal moto action captured at riding spots all over the world.
The evening had a somber tone as the entire industry is still morning the passing of one of the film’s stars, Jeremy Lusk, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a crash during an X Knights Freestyle event in San Jose, Costa Rica on Monday.
Many of Lusk’s Metal Mulisha family including Joe Gibbs Racing’s Josh Grant, Nate Adams, Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg, Robbie Maddison, Takayuki Higashino, Colin “Scummy” Morrison, Erik Apple and Renato “Babalu” Sobral also came out in support of their fallen friend. Other freestyle riders including Myles Richmond and Red Bull’s Ronnie Renner were in attendance as well.
Inside Oakley’s sculpted metal walls, a DJ spun beats while party goers sipped on libations provided by Monster Energy. As the evening progressed, people began to funnel inside Oakley’s huge 180-degree auditorium for a sneak peek of the film.
Metal Mulish's Erik Apple explained the aftermath of Lusk's crash and delivered an eloquent tribute to their friend.
Once everyone was seated, Metal Mulisha’s Erik Apple gathered members of the Mulisha on stage and proceeded to deliver an eloquent tribute to their late friend (check out the video). Apple was at the hospital by Lusk’s side when he passed and wished to clear up any rumors or misconceptions that had been circulating in regards to his death.
“He had the best services he could possibly have,” stated Apple in regards to Lusk’s medical treatment in Costa Rica. “The hospital he was in was the best in all of Central America. The surgeon there was the best neurosurgeon in all of Central America—he was as educated and as good as what he does as anyone in the world.”
Apple went on to say: “We explored every possibility including flying in a neurosurgeon or transporting Jeremy back to America in a flying intensive care unit. One of the toughest moments in my life was when the doctor looks you in the eye and tells you that there is no hope.”
After Apple’s candid address, the room burst alive with both applause as well as tears. It was a moving experience to say the least. Big thanks to
Oakley for putting on such a great event and if you’re looking for information on how you can help Jeremy’s surviving family or to help other severely injured action sports athletes check out the
Athlete Recovery Fund.
