Ross Maeda Severely Injured
Chris
- September 26 2009
- 7,396 views
- 70 comments
Yesterday morning while getting in a routine moto, Ross Maeda crashed and suffered paralyzing injuries. He broke/displaced three vertebrae in his lower back and underwent a seven-hour surgery last night to repair the damage. He also suffered a collapsed lung, broken collarbone, and a severe concussion among other injuries. Only time will tell if he will ever be able to walk again. For those who may be unfamiliar with Ross, he is the owner of Enzo Racing and is widely considered the king of motocross suspension. More importantly, he is, and has been, an inspiration and mentor to everyone of us in the motocross industry including his brother, our Editor-in-Chief, Donn.
From Donn’s blog:
My big brother Ross has been my hero since I was a little kid, and I’ve idolized him for as long as I can remember. He is the reason I started riding motocross bikes, he is the one who sparked my interest in photography, he taught me how to ride and race, and he is the person I bounce magazine ideas off of when I need a second opinion.
Yesterday, Rossi crashed and suffered paralyzing injuries. He broke/displaced three vertebrae in his lower back and underwent a seven-hour surgery to repair the damage. Only time will tell if he will ever be able to walk again. Ross is a bad ass, though, and I know that if anyone can bounce back from this, it’s him.
To say that I am devastated would be an understatement. I’ve always said that Ross is my guideline as to how long I will be able to be the Editor of TransWorld Motocross. At 54, he still hauls ass on a mx track and has been a source of inspiration for me. “If Rossi can still rip at 54, I want to, also,” I’d think. I don’t want to be the editor of this magazine any longer when I can’t get around the track at a decent clip, so that’s why I’ve always looked to Ross for a time estimate. Now…I don’t know.
Ross is a fighter, and I know that he will get through this. All we can do is stay positive, think good thoughts, and keep him in our prayers. Think a good thought about my big brother for me, will you?
Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. We are all pushing for him, and are trying to stay as positive as he is.
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September 27th, 2009 at 3:03 am
Sorry to hear this. I would like to ask a question about the crash if i may?
September 27th, 2009 at 3:12 am
Im really sorry to hear the news Swap. I have been a die-hard TransworldMX reader for years. Over the years you have given us some pretty funny stories about Ross and I hope he pulls through. Swap, you, Ross and your family are in my prayers. GET WELL SOON ROSS!!!! All of us are pulling for ya!!
# 929 - Brandon Lanning
September 27th, 2009 at 3:35 am
Ross is a great guy and friend, He's often in my shop working on trick new ideas, His easy going and funny sense of humor will help him through this. What a sad thing for me to hear this about my friend Ross. My prayers are with Ross and his family. if there's anything i can do in this trying time just ask.
Johnny Truetorch
September 27th, 2009 at 4:35 am
Sorry these things happen to anyone. I know when it is close to home it hurts more. In my life of racing, I have seen it so many times, and it never gets easier to hear of a injured rider. Thoughts of good health, and full recovery, are sent his direction.
September 27th, 2009 at 4:38 am
Donn,
I can't tell you how sorry I am to hear about Ross, If there is anything I can do please let me know.
Rick James
September 27th, 2009 at 4:44 am
Very sorry to hear. Donn please remember many look up to you in the way you look at your brother (I'm oldest of 4). My best goes goes out to your brother.
September 27th, 2009 at 6:13 am
Donn-Thinking about you, Ross, and his family… Old school Enzo-eno
September 27th, 2009 at 6:49 am
This is devasting to hear… I've known Ross and his family since 1969. I met him back when we both were riding the 125 Junior class at Saddleback, Carlsbad, Indian Dunes, etc. I remember his Mom and Dad setting up a crib in the pits for Donn. His Dad was a hop-up king and knew how to get the most out of a bike (especially Ross's 125 Bultaco and my 125 Yamaha AT1. And, he was always willing to share his ideas with me even though I was racing against Ross. The entire family has been involved with motocross since the earliet days of MX here in the US.
I will be praying for Ross and his entire family.
Patrick 'Flyin' Flynn
September 27th, 2009 at 8:15 am
donn im sorry for what has happened with you and your family. i cant even believe how your your feeling right now. ever since i started to read twmx and when i met you and your daughter in nordstrom, riverside i have been a big fan. my thoughts and prayers go out to ross you and your family. let me know of his progress at greenappl1@yahoo.com.
September 27th, 2009 at 10:04 am
I will pray for Ross…….
CarlAndrea Repetto
September 27th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Donn,
I heard about Ross last night and I'm very sorry to hear about how bad the injuries are. I always look forward stopping in and talking with Ross or going riding with him. I was thinking about how long I've known Ross and it has been about 30 years and we have had many great times together. I know if anyone can pull this it well be Ross. Please let his family know my thoughts and prayers are with them in their time of need.
Dan Fitch
September 27th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
I am rooting for Ross, he is a great guy and takes time out from his very busy life to e-mail people from across the world who he has never met, and inspiration and one of the greats in my eyes, speedy recovery Ross.
Marcus.
September 27th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
thoughts and prayers are with you Ross and Donn. Chapman
September 27th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Swap, sorry to hear about your brother. Hang in there, the thoughts and prayers of the TWMX readership are with you and your family.
PoliceFire MX National #160
September 27th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
I am lifting up the entire Maeda family. Ross is one of the most sincere and straight forward guys I have met, not only in the sport but n my life. Hang in there Ross!!!
September 27th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Ive ridden with Ross a handful of times and he is the nicest guy you will meet, and fast as hell. I hope nothing but the best for him. He is a great guy.
September 27th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
This is really bad news, I feel like I know Donn so well just from reading the magazine and to hear this about Ross is devastating. Our prayers are with you and hope this is is just a setback, keep fighting Ross!!!
September 27th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
That is devastating news. I wish Ross speedy recovery, my thoughts are with entire Maeda family!!! Stay strong! He'll pull through this!!!
September 27th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Hey Donn, I am sorry to hear about the news. I Wish your brother a speedy recovery and from the sounds of it, if he is bad ass like you mention him, things will pan out just fine. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole maeda family. Keep your head up and tell your brother to give em hell.
September 27th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Ross is such an awesome guy! He is strong enough to pull through this!
You are in my thoughts and prayers buddy! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
-Kayla 555
September 27th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
This is the confidence we have in Him (God) That if we ask anything according to His will he hears us , and if we know that He hears us- whatever we ask- we know that we have what we have asked for him 1 John 5 : 14 . Hey I just wanted to share this encouraging testimony , I went church today and this 97 year old lady shared a miracle in her life that happened 2 weeks ago , the short version is she had a stroke was paralyzed and at that age doctors don't normally see a recovery , Anyways the pastor from the church got everyone to pray on her behalf accroding to Gods will and she recovered 2 days later. The pastor went to see her and she was packing her bags , what a miracle !!! Anyways after hearing this and hearing about yr current circumstance I would love to pray for you , not to pray apathetically , cause I feel sorry but pray because I know God wants to heal you completly Praise God , Stay Strong
September 27th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Thank you for all Ross, you're the best.
We're sure you'll be riding again sure!
Rivas family.
September 27th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
We were just talking about racing, riding, and getting hurt…..You were always there for me at the supercross and motocross races throughout the 80's. Thanks for being there. I wish I could be there for you now. My family and I will be praying for you and your family. Bob
September 27th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
my thought and prayers are with your brother….
September 27th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
hang in there donn and family you guys will get through this.
September 27th, 2009 at 11:05 pm
We are praying for Ross and your family. Mark & Cathy Toguchi
September 27th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Donn, We will all be praying for your brother. He's a tough guy and I'm confident he will recover from this.
Please keep us informed of his progress and let us know how we can help. God Bless.
Steve Searcey,
Clean Racing USA
September 28th, 2009 at 12:43 am
Donn, I'm truly sorry to hear about your brother, and I really truly hope he gets better. I remember being 8 years old clutching the first TWMX in my hands, rifling through all the pictures… TWMX has been there for me and helped me with my moto, so anything I can do in return I will.
Ross sounds like the badass you say he is, and I know he'll get through this…
Conner Janeteas
P.S. I don't know if you remember, but at the Toronto Supercross you came to interview Josh in the JGR semi. Well I was in the trailer too; I was that wide-eyed kid in the brown hoodie… I couldnt believe you were standing there next to me after I'd read your magazine for so long! Next year if I see you I'll say hi for sure.
September 28th, 2009 at 12:52 am
Our prayers are with him and his family. As a long time TWMX reader and fan - we feel a part of the family as well. We are saddened by the news. But God works miracles every second of every day. Keep the faith, pray and watch! We all are praying for a speedy recovering!!!
September 28th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Donn,
Celestino Flaire told us about Ross. We met Ross once, in 2002, when the Brazilian mxrider Rafael Ramos tried some SX rounds in USA. We visited his office and he was very kind. But not in a track, he was very fast at Elsinore. Some days after, in Anahein 2, I guess, he gave me (and to my firends) a fleece because the night was very cold and we had any coat. So, keep strong and positive. Here in Brazil we are praying and sending positive thoughts to Ross.
Hilton Tsujimura and Marcos Esdras
September 28th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Prayers said!!!
September 28th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Friend Donn, I met you and your brother many years ago and we became great friends. I can say that a true family. And all the times we have been in the United States, you welcomed me with a family member.
I will pray for him and his family.
September 28th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Donn,Your brother and I raced against each other back in the 70's at the CMC races.There was a group of us japanese moto guys that would pit together and Jason Yodogawa's mom would bring all this food to the races and feed all of us.Ross was always such a funny guy with his bikes all modified with some new thing machined or welded on it. We both rode Rm 125' back then.I'm 54 also and still ride all the time and will always remember those hot and dusty days back at Saddlesback and Carlsbad…Our prayers are with Ross and your entire family…Toby taki
September 28th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
donn im sorry about your brother. i couldnt imagine how tough this is at the moment but you guys as a family will all pull through it. god bless. you guys are in my prayers
September 28th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Ross and I have had some great Vet duels, My thoughts and prayers go out to he and his family
September 28th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Hi Toby, haven't seen you since Mammoth 3-4 years ago. Bad news about Ross… let's hope he recovers fully. I remember Jason as well…
Old Memories:
August 23, 1970 - CMC Saddleback - 125cc Jun Div. 4
1. C. Lampe Y6 Yam
2. R. Maeda 249 Bul
3. G. Anderson 179 Sac
4. P. Flynn 679 Yam
Dave Rodgers won the 250cc Expert Class and Mark Blackwell won the 500cc Expert class that day…
Regards,
Patrick
September 28th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
i am having a tough time getting a grip with this mx thing my friend crashed at dirt days sat morning at milestone and broke his femur and orbital …… now the news just crushes me…. i worked for yamaha of troy for a lil while and in that time i became really good friends with ross.. i explained to him that i had been sending him my suspension over the years…… in a sport where everyone has some type of ego.. ross's was always humble and in good spirits. ross get well time and prayer will heal.. donn your professionalism is always admired thanks for sharing the best moto mag around!!!
September 28th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
‘Motocross Ross’….Get well soon - - everyone is pulling for you! Jim
September 28th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Keep your head up Ross. You've touched a lot of peoples lives and they're all praying and pulling for you. Keep the faith brother. You will be just fine.
September 28th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
Ross, you are in our thoughts and prayers!
September 28th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Donn-
Very sorry to hear about Ross' injuries. My thoughts are with him for a speedy, full recovery and also with you and your family for having something like this happen to a loved one.
Take care,
Bob Morales
September 28th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
I hope all gets better!
September 28th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
You got this Ross!
Hang in there Donn.
We all love you, Motocross-Atv Inc.
September 28th, 2009 at 11:37 pm
ross stay strong my prayers are with you always .your a great person ,and greatly respected
September 29th, 2009 at 1:18 am
Ross…you will walk and ride again ..(just do what the doctors said) and we go eat sushi and enjoy a jap movie later !!!!
Lots of hugs from your chilean friends
September 29th, 2009 at 2:48 am
Donn, I can't even express how sad i'am to hear about rossi. He has truely been one of my mx heroes since 1978! I'am so greatful to have worked for him. The happiest four years of my life! I think with the love and support from family & freinds rossi will be fine. Keep up the good work! mag is awesome! With prayers and love, dino
September 29th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Me and every Brazilian people that know Ross are praying to his recovering. And we are sure that will happen very very soon.
Rafael Ramos
September 29th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Ross is a big friend for us from Brazil…..i wish him and family all the best and i'm praying for him get well soon…..Donn keep tough my friend !!!!
September 29th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
get well soon ross my prayers are with ya
September 29th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Ross is a great person and our thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time. We're all devastated by this news and are praying for a full recovery.
Brad Cameron
Renthal
September 29th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
My thoughts and prayers go out to Ross and his entire family and posse of Moto friends. I am a 49 year old Vet. I rode the AMA 125 Nationals in 77, 78, & 79. I to can still ride a decent clip around a Motocross Track. Ive chased you Donn around Paris many times without you knowing. In July of 08 I crashed at Barona and broke 3 ribs, punctured my lung and ruptured my spleen. I was misdiagnosed at the ER and sent home. Three days later I almost died. After having my spleen removed I recovered and in December went down at Paris suffering a hematoma on my brain. 3 months later I went down again at Barona. Thank God for Leatt braces. I suffered another concussion and hematoma. I have been off the bike for 4 months now and am trying to get the demons out of the back of my mind. Storys such as these make me wonder is God telling me something. I have always believed that to much is never enough. Nothing and I mean Nothing compares to the feeling of ripping around a rough ass motocross track. I hate the reality of this part of our sport. My prayer is that we can all turn our best lap at 70 years of age. My prayers are with all people that throw a leg over a Dirt Bike. Get better Ross!! God Bless all of you.
September 29th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Hey Guys, what do you say when you hear news of this nature?? I did know Ross for around 15 years I had some clients that he sponsored and they were always stoked on how good his stuff worked, he was always available to help them with set up or last min revalve changes etc etc… again not really sure what to say at this time but I can say I am sad to hear this and will pray for him to be strong and trust in God.
September 29th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
We ADORE the Maeda Family - especially Jon & Sue - and were devastated by the news of Ross' accident. We don't know Ross personally, but please know that the entire Meada Clan has been, and will continue to be, in our thoughts and prayers.
Fondly,
The Cisneros Family
September 29th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
10 years ago Ross hired me to work at KYB. Ever since then he has taken on many influential roles in my life - MX counselor, mentor, life coach, and friend. Basically, he has been my role model for the past decade. I'm sure, he has been your's all your life. All my family - my mother, father, and sister are all praying for his full recovery.
Respectfully,
John Yamada
September 29th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
hey team ross… wishing you a WFO recovery! we're keeping you and your family in our prayers.
best regards, d.r. clement.
September 29th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Is there any new news about how he is doing? <3
-Kayla
September 29th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
I am awaiting arrival of my new bike and the first thing I do is go and see Ross. I am sorry to here about his injury he will pull through. I had an L-2 burst in 1996 and had a cage installed in my back, I was paralyzed at first but then slowly I started getting feeling again. Now ,my left leg is partially numb but I can still ride. He will pull through just stay positive.
September 29th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
I just got the news from Will…
All I can say is that Ross is in my thoughts and prayers.
Manny
September 29th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Donn
We here at Utopia are depply saddened about your brothers accident, please now that although we don't know him personally we're keeping him in our thoughts.
Aldo
Utopia Optics
September 30th, 2009 at 4:20 am
YEAH TOBY THOSE WERE THE DAYS…YOU BOUGHT BACK SOME GOOD MEMORIES!!!!!
TO BAD YOU CAN'T BRING THOSE DAYS BACK….SEE YOU AT THE RACES
JASON YODOGAWA
September 30th, 2009 at 4:29 am
We are so sorry to hear about Ross. He has always been there to help me out and I hope he knows he can count on me if he or his family needs anything. We are sending all our hopes and prayers his way. He is a strong dude and we know he will get though this. Thanks for keeping us informed.
September 30th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Ross is the nicest industry person in the sport of motocross. Not one of the nicest. The nicest. Plus he is probably the most entertaining conversation you will have with someone in the motocross industry.
God bless you Ross and your family. I pray you will soon get back to where you were before the crash.
Ted DeVol
DeVol Engineering
September 30th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
I hope you're well and I'm so sorry to hear about your accident,
Take care Ross and if you have any questions, or if I can do anything for you let me know.
Cloud Toda JPN
September 30th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Ross is as genuine as they come , a great guy and family man with superb skills in tuning suspension. I shared a business with Ross in the 90's and know his intense comittment to his work and life. My thoughts and prayers also go out to Ross and the Maeda family.
Greg gb
October 1st, 2009 at 2:56 am
Hey dude, was reading about Ross and saw you. Haven't seen or heard of or about you in a long, long time. Good to see that you're still around.
Nick Morita
October 2nd, 2009 at 3:22 am
Soo sorry to hear this news- These injuries we all now are A risk of this sport HOWEVER enough is enough!!! Jonathan M-
October 2nd, 2009 at 3:26 am
DONN, MY PRAYERS TO ROSS AND THE FAMILY. I HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING ROSS MANY TIMES AT THE WED NIGHT CMC MX AT ASCOT PARK. ALWAYS SMILING AND WILLING TO DO ANYTHING
HE COULD TO HELP YOU , WITHOUT A COMPLAINT. HIS POSITIVE , UPBEAT PERSONALITY IS WHAT I RECALL THE MOST. MY DAD AND I WOULD MAKE THE USUAL SO CALIF MX ROUNDS AND ROSS WAS
SUCH A POSITIVE INFLUENCE ON MANY YOUNG RIDERS. I WILL PRAY FOR HIS RECOVERY DAILY
AND FOR THE FAMILY AS WELL .
DON MCIVER
October 6th, 2009 at 12:31 am
I am so sorry…I suck on the track, but I love the time w/ my boys….All the best to you and your brother..
BB380g
October 29th, 2009 at 6:26 am
Donn,
Very sorry to hear your brother was hurt. Our thoughts are with you.
Jason
November 8th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Dear Ross, you are the bigest example of person for me!!!! You´re the most incredible guy i´ve knew in the sport in this several years! I know you here in Brasil in 1997. Since then I´ve always look at you as an icon person.
It´s sucks!!! In portuguese…I´d say " É FODA" It happens with the best guys!
But, I know you are strong ennought to pass this situation, you are like a chieftain
to me, it´s lika an realy example of person! I can´t understend how this kind of things happen with the best peopleo person and no with the whorst.
I hope you be good, I´ve always thinking about you, you teache me "english" remember? Maybe I don´t learn so much, but´s ok.
Ross, contact me any time…I´m sincery your friend!
GABRIEL MIRANDA (EX- BTECHNOLOGY GRAPHICS) from Brasil.