Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disease that can severely affect the functioning of the brain and body. CTE and concussions have been linked in some studies, but there are still many unknowns and continuous research is being done to learn more about the disease and causes. CTE can only be detected posthumously.
In May of 2016, the family of Dave Mirra decided to pursue posthumous neurological testing which included a study for CTE.
The study was coordinated by the University of Toronto and the Canadian Concussion Centre under the direction of Lili-Naz Hazrati, M.D., PhD. Leading neuropathologists from the U.S. and abroad unanimously confirmed the diagnosis of CTE.
At the time of the diagnosis, this was the statement from Dave’s wife, Lauren Mirra: “We would like to thank our family, friends and the overwhelming number of Dave’s fans who have supported us during this difficult time. We ask for your continued support in honoring Dave’s legacy and for your patience as we plan to create a platform for CTE awareness and research.”
This new website is the start of bringing awareness to CTE, and we’ve included several links for you to learn more about the disease. With the news of Dave’s diagnosis, his wife said: “Dave wouldn’t want others to live in fear. He would have still done what he loved and what he was called to do which was ride his bike. Safety and helmets were a priority with Dave, and he would still want us to continue to promote that and continue to produce better equipment."