Tragic Mountain Biking Accident Claims Life of Former BYU Track Star Scott Mecham

In a heart-wrenching incident, former Brigham Young University (BYU) track and field sprinter Scott Mecham passed away on Wednesday afternoon following a devastating mountain biking accident. This unfortunate news was confirmed through an official press release by the university.

Mountain Biking Accident

Mecham met with the tragic accident while mountain biking with a friend on Friday, September 12. It was reported that he sustained severe injuries and was swiftly airlifted to the University of Utah Medical Center for immediate medical attention. Subsequently, he was transferred to the University of Utah to undergo further treatment. The medical team discovered a contusion to the cervical spinal cord, which left Mecham mostly paralyzed from the neck down. To alleviate the pressure on the cord, doctors performed a surgical procedure to remove a portion of bone from his spine.

Impact on the BYU Community

The news of Mecham's passing struck a chord with the BYU community. He is survived by his wife, Cierra, and their two daughters, Jayden and Parker. Ed Eyestone, the director of track and field at BYU, expressed profound sorrow over Mecham's demise, highlighting his positive attitude and strong work ethic, which greatly influenced his teammates. Mecham's exceptional skills as a 400-meter hurdler and his inspiring character were traits that left an indelible mark on the BYU track and field program.

Mecham's Athletic Legacy

During his collegiate career from 2017 to 2019, Scott Mecham participated in 30 competitions for the Cougars. His remarkable achievements earned him a place among the program's all-time top sprinters, with the sixth-best performance recorded in the outdoor 400m hurdles at the BYU Robison Invitational in 2018. Kyle Grossarth, who served as Mecham's sprints coach, lauded him not only as a formidable athlete but also as an incredible individual who epitomized sportsmanship and dedication on the track.

In these trying times, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to support Mecham's family, allowing the community to contribute to their well-being during this difficult period. The outpouring of support is a testament to the profound impact Mecham had on the lives of those around him.