Coroner looks into death of BMX legend in Indio

A body found in a vacant lot in Indio has been identified as Scot Alexander Breihaupt, a founder of bicycle motocross and a National BMX Hall of Fame member, it was reported Sunday. He was 57.

Breithaupt of La Quinta was found in a tent in the lot at the southwest corner of Las Palmas Road and Monroe Street around 9:15 p.m. Saturday.

The BMX raider was among the first to organize bicycle races on dirt motorcycle courses in the early 1970s.

Back in the 1980s, he also served as a BMX commentator for ESPN during the sports early times.

“It’s come a long way for the people that really know the history, he has just influenced and helped a lot of people, I just wish I got to know him,” said Jacob Ramos, a BMX racer and longtime fan.

“That hurts, he has done a lot for people. I don’t know what really went on in his personal life but to hear he was found in a tent in pretty much my own backyard in Indio, it’s only an hour away from where I live,” said Ramos.

The Riverside County Coroner’s Office released his identity on Sunday.

Sergeant Dan Marshall with the Indio Police Department said in a statement that Breithaupt, who had lived in the Coachella Valley since the 1990s, had been dead for an unknown length of timebefore someone noticed his body and called police.

Police say there were no obvious signs of foul play. The coroner is conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

However, it also raises the question on how the BMX legend lost his way by becoming homeless and living in a makeshift tent on a vacant lot.

The National BMX Hall of Fame described Breithaupt in a Facebook post Sunday as “The Godfather of BMX.” Friends, family and BMX lovers all over the country have been sharing an outpouring of love and support as they remember the life of Breithaupt.