What was meant to be a breathtaking display of freestyle mountain biking turned into a frightening scene on the red cliffs of Virgin, Utah, during the iconic Red Bull Rampage event.
Fans and commentators watched in shock as Adolf Silva suffered a serious crash while attempting one of the event’s most daring tricks.
High-Stakes Stunt Goes Wrong
Silva, a seasoned freestyle rider, had already navigated some of the course’s most challenging drops during his second run.
Building up confidence, he attempted a double backflip off a prominent ledge — a move that had spectators holding their breath.
Tragically, Silva under-rotated. His front wheel slammed into the dirt while his body was thrown over the handlebars.
He landed head-first on the rocky terrain before tumbling and sliding down the steep slope, leaving the crowd and broadcast team stunned.
Immediate Response and Airlift to Hospital
Medical personnel rushed to Silva’s side to provide first aid, and a helicopter was called in to transport him to a nearby hospital.
Fellow rider and commentator Tyler McCaul described the crash as “the closest thing to a worst-case scenario” and praised the rapid response of the event’s medical team.
On live broadcast, voices could be heard shouting in alarm as the stunt unfolded, while another commentator noted that Silva had not practiced the double backflip during the week, emphasizing the enormous risk involved.
Event Resumes Amid Shock
The accident occurred at 12:51pm local time, leading to a 31-minute stoppage while Silva received care.
Once the medical helicopter left, the competition resumed, but the mood remained tense as riders and fans processed what they had witnessed.
Red Bull Rampage, held near the iconic landscapes of Zion National Park and the city of Hurricane, has always been known for pushing mountain bikers to the absolute limits — but Silva’s crash served as a stark reminder of the sport’s inherent danger.