Rider seriously injured

UPDATE January 5: Bruce Cook remains in hospital after sustaining serious injuries on a failed double front flip attempt.

In a message posted on his Facebook page, Cook said he underwent three hours of surgery Saturday and has been "blown away" by the support he's received since the crash.

"I'll likely be in hospital in Ontario for the remainder of the week at which time I will transfer to BC," he wrote. "My mom and dad are here with me helping keep spirits high. I've got this!... There is definitely a smile under that mask."

Lindsey Scott, Bruce's friend, spoke to him by phone. "He's pretty worried, it's a pretty traumatic injury. But he's got a really good support system."

"I was cautiously optimistic, but his injuries have left his future up in the air."

Scott did not wish to divulge the specific details of the injuries.

On the difficulty of the trick, Scott commented: "He wouldn't have done it if he didn't feel he had the capability to do it. He seemed to under-rotate, which caused him to land with the bike vertically."

Scott says Bruce is, "the nicest guy you'll ever meet. He's always positive; you'll never find someone who is more passionate or driven to be successful in their sport."

There is no estimated timeline on his recovery.

"We're all just trying to stay positive," said Scott.

Photo: Contributed - Facebook

Professional motocross rider Bruce Cook gives a thumbs up from a hospital bed in Ontario after he was seriously injured following a horrific crash Friday night. Jan. 5, 2013.

Photo: Contributed

Frame grab from an Instagram video shows the point of impact after the jump, way back on the rear wheel, flipping Bruce Cook and his bike backwards.

Freestyle motocross rider and Kelowna native Bruce Cook left an event Friday evening on a stretcher, sustaining serious injuries.

The 26-year-old Cook was attempting to make history with the world's first ever FMX double front flip. When he failed to make his second full rotation he fell awkwardly and left in the care of paramedics.

Hamilton Paramedic Services responded to the scene at approximately 10 p.m. Carmen D'Angelo, manager of Hamilton Paramedic Services, said Cook was immobilized and taken to Hamilton General Hospital where he was treated for head and trauma injuries.

The family has requested the details of his injury remain "strictly confidential" for the time being.

The event, held at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, was one of 13 stops in Nitro Circus Live's 2014 North American Tour. Nitro Circus is a "two-hour, fully choreographed, action sports theatrical spectacular like nothing else on the planet" showcasing stunts and tricks by motocross, BMX and skate stars.

Nitro Circus reported: "As everyone knows one of our athletes, Bruce Cook, was injured during the Hamilton show last night. He underwent surgery this morning, surgery went well and he's recovering with friends and family. We will keep you posted on his progress."

Team Canada paralympic athlete Kevin Rempel tweeted Saturday: "@KevinRempel: "Hope that Bruce Cook is OK after that nasty crash last night at @nitrocircuslive. Get well soon."

Prior to the event Cook tweeted: "@BruceCookFMX: Thanks for all the support and well wishes everyone. I'm ready to do a couple front flips today!"

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