Twenty-three-year-old Jeremy Max Paget died on Saturday, June 3, 2000. His death was due to injuries sustained in a motocross racing accident. The accident occurred at Hot Springs Track near Ogden, Utah during an NMA/USRA Ponca City Qualifier. We would like to know the specific cause of this accident. Was it jump related? Please contact us if you have further information about this fatality. Click here to e-mail us.

Mr. Daly,

We would like to take a moment to respond to your request for information on the passing of Jeremy Paget.

Your information about the incident happening at Hot Springs Raceway is correct. The race was one of the Wild West Series, not a USRA/NMA qualifier as stated.

Jeremy had been a member of the club that runs Hot Springs Raceway for many years. Jeremy was a Pro level motocrosser who practiced at the track two to three times a week. He was one of the racers that we pointed out to our kids as an example of self-motivation, integrity, skill, and how to treat others.

The accident involving Jeremy occurred after a small Double (four- foot takeoff and landing with a two-foot dip in the middle, ten- foot peak to peak). Jeremy was on the power hard in the corner preceding a two-jump section. He went over the first jump a little sideways, high-sided upon landing, and fell into the face of a small Table. It was evident to all of us who watched his fall, that Jeremy felt that he had the bike under control until the last second. Jeremy passed away due to head trauma caused by the way he landed. Jeremy was wearing the correct safety gear.

It is our opinion that this was a freak accident that was not caused by a double jump. It could have happened anywhere on the track.

Jeremy was well respected and liked by all who knew him. We miss him greatly.

Bob Davis
Randy Clifton

Rich's Response:   His death was caused by a very easy double.  He got sideways coming out of the corner, high-sided and face planted into a table top.  Jeremy was a top rider, the problem even on easy doubles is the obstacles after the double.  We need room for run-out, especially at the amateur level.  Inexperienced riders, are constantly sideways hitting jumps or landing.  Before they regain control, they are often put down by another jump or whoops section.