Longtime Colorado Snow Rep Ray Lang Passes In Motocross Accident
Press Release
- July 31 2008
- 1,996 views
- 26 comments
Longtime Colorado snow rep Ray “Head” Lang died while competing at the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships in Tennessee on Tuesday the 29th.
According to the Denver Post:
Wheat Ridge amateur motocross racer Ray Lang died Tuesday after an American Motorcyclist Association event at country star Loretta Lynn’s ranch.
The 40-year-old Lang went airborne from a jump and bumped another rider during a race. Humphreys County Coroner Dr. Richard Jackson said Lang landed on a shoulder blade and died of overwhelming chest injuries at Three Rivers Hospital, about 50 miles west of Nashville.
Jackson said the other rider wasn’t aware of the accident until after the race was stopped.
In May, Lang finished second in the amateur senior division at a regional qualifier at Lakewood’s Thunder Valley.
Lang was participating in the 27th Air Nautiques/AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships, which has been called the largest motocross race in the world.
“He just loved living life and having a good time,” Lang’s mom, Jackie Lang, told the Marietta (Ohio) Times, her hometown newspaper.
The Tackledbox had this to say about Lang:
“Ray or “Head” as we called him, was a long time Colorado Snowboard Rep. We met him way back when he started with this little Canadian brand called Never, later to become Option. He sold Gillie Stix, Bat Waves, Soupkitchen, Arbor, Special Blend, GMC/Defcon, Split, Fox, Business Bindings, Flow and Alpenstar thru the years.”
Tentative plans are for Lang’s body to be cremated with a service Monday evening at Cawley & Peoples on Front Street in his home town of Marietta, OH.
Rest in peace man.
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July 31st, 2008 at 8:43 pm
I knew Ray Lang when he was in high school in Marietta, OH with my stepdaughters, Pam and Angie. He was like an adopted son and always seemed to show up at supper time to say “Hi”. Aw c’mon, Ray, stay and eat!! And…he always did. We lovd Ray-Bud…as we called him. I remember custom painting his helmets getting ready for his half-pipe exhibitions. We’ll all miss him.
August 1st, 2008 at 9:43 am
I did know this beautiful soul, but I love MX and reading this just breaks my heart. God speed and my prayers are with your family during this difficult time
August 1st, 2008 at 1:46 pm
I worked with Ray in the snowboard industry for many years and I will tell you that Ray was one of the hardest working reps in the business and for that reason he earned my respect. A great loss to the rocky mountain snow scene for sure. Rest in peace my brother!!!
August 1st, 2008 at 2:42 pm
On behalf of all of the reps of Western Winter Sports Rep. Assoc. I would like Ray’s family to know how much we will all miss him and we hope you know that our thoughts are with you. Ray worked hard, played hard and always made us laugh.
August 1st, 2008 at 3:53 pm
It was always a pleasure to do business with Ray, honest, laid back but always helpful, cool cat. Loved hearing that gravely voice come out of that small dude.
August 1st, 2008 at 6:25 pm
loved chasen chics in the flow van. loved loosen to you in both moto and bmx. loved have those last beers with ya at the tavern before ya left. i am sure god has a front row seat for the snake. rip and own lang.
August 2nd, 2008 at 5:09 am
alot of us talk about doing things, but “big ray” did things. i always admired, and even envied him for that. his enigmatic charisma always told me that i was loved no matter how infrequently we spoke. long lost friends, apparently never miss a step, and it seems that many of you felt the same way. he’d drop in like one of our family, and matter of factly re-affirm our feelings for him. i can’t express the injustice that i feel now, but ray would find a way to overcome this fluke. shit happens, and it sucks that ray had to go. everyone of you by your touching his life confirms to me why i loved him so. i often wished that i could just “tag along” to get a peak at his life. at times it seemed so illusive, but just when you thought he was gone…there he’d be. that little fucker just rocked my world, and i hope you’ll join me in celebrating his life. i’ll miss him dearly, but there’s a silver lining in every ray lang cloud. he taught me that everytime he spoke. thanks, ray. love always. russ
August 2nd, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Ray- When I heard I was floored. I just always thought you would be around. I am so sad, sad for you, sad for your family and friends, and sad for your colleagues. No matter where any of us fit in your life, know that we will all miss you. Right now we are in shock and disbelief, but when that has worn off, none of us will have anything but a smile and fond memories when your name is mentioned…
August 4th, 2008 at 6:56 am
Ray, going to miss you brother!
god speed and kept wide pinned!
August 4th, 2008 at 9:51 am
peace to you Ray.
August 4th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
This is a sad day for those in the industry who knew Ray. I just spoke to Ray a few days before this accident. We reconnected at SIA, and he told me how excited he was of his new projects. Ray was a great person, a hard sales rep and one who loved life. He will surely be missed.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
I met Ray when we were both started our snow/action sports careers, as reps, Norcal & Rockies respectively, for Vancouver BC based Never Board-Option back in the mid 90’s, as well as reps for Split. Hadn’t crossed his path for a while, but I’m very saddened to hear of his loss. I remember Ray as a committed rep, easy smile, and big laugh. RIP
August 6th, 2008 at 6:42 am
I was shocked to hear the news! Ray was mellow even when fully pinned.
I’m glad to have known you and your free spirt..
We’ll miss you brother! Rest in Peace…
August 6th, 2008 at 6:50 am
Ray was all heart; a hard-working and fun guy. You will be sorely, sorely missed Ray dogg.
August 7th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Ray was a good man! I’m very sad to have heard of his passing. I first met Ray in 1995 buying Option snowboards from him, my first year in business at my shop. Over the years I carried many other of the lines he would represent. He was a good rep. that worked hard and cared about his work. He seemed to live his life with gusto! I know of his passions for the sports/activities that he both worked in and lived for. We would often catch up by trading stories of fun rides or good days on the mountains. My heart goes out to all of his family and friends at this time—–He lived well. Rest in Peace Ray!
August 7th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Cant believe i’m reading this about Ray…He had a heart of gold and was always down. The few years we shared in Steamboat in mid 90’s will be remembered forever..Gonna miss you Ray.
August 9th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
I met ray at the WWSRA show in February, we were booth neighbors at the show and had a good few days talking industry talk, I know he will be missed
August 10th, 2008 at 8:16 am
All of these comments can be echoed in my own, Ray became our 1st Denver friend. I, also, keep expecting that raspy voice to be calling my name at the back door, I am honored to have had Ray as a neighbor, a housemate, and friend. . . because it didn’t have to be that way. . . thanks for being you. . you “Gnar” dude! Untill we meet again, my friend . . . we’ll have many a ses for you!xoxo, Charissa
August 13th, 2008 at 11:34 am
O.k. it is official Sunday August 24th at 2pm at Thunder Valley Mx track
There will be a Memorial for Ray Lang. His Mom and Sister will be in attendance.
We will at some point do a parade lap on the bikes as well as a candle light ceremony.
Please spread the word. Look forward to seeing you, hope all is well.
August 13th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
For those who want to remember Ray, there is a facebook group set up.
Type in “R.I.P. Ray Lang - celebrate his life” in search
August 13th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Sad,Sad news.A great rep and a really great guy. RIP homey.
August 19th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Met Ray in Havasu great rep, great guy,will be missed by many!!!! god speed Ray………………..Stevo
September 8th, 2008 at 7:39 am
i miss u ray peac ray we will always luv u rest in peace man will be with me and my bro at all times got atatto of 394 on my back my bro did too in memory of ray lang 394 will all miss u forever luv ur freinds david and brent
December 12th, 2008 at 9:43 am
i new ray like a brother he tought me every thing he tought me to do yard work and how to ride dirt bikes and to snow bord so pleas call me david or my bro brent we will work to ride or to hang out and snow bord with any of rays freinds or family i realy miss ray bud i know he will miss us just like we all will thank u for reading this. peace to all and happy holidays have fun hoe i will get to ride again love u ray. my numberis 7202612808 or 7203003727