Josh Demuth Injury Update, Now an Amputee

WeiserGuy
Posts
717
Joined
3/5/2012
Location
Over the hills & far away, OH, USA
8/7/2012 1:22pm
Sorry for the lengthy post in advance.

I met Josh when he rode for the Carrollton Kawasaki Team, #48 on a KX250 to be exact.. I was a teenager on a mini bike that was just starting to get fast @ take things more serious.. I was by myself(just riding, father was there) doing motos at a track in middle of no where. I see nice moto van pull up and a guy walks over next to the track to watch me.. I was finished on my timed moto but I pounded out atleast 10 more laps as he watched @ his mechanic prepped his bike. I stopped for a brake @ walked over to talk to him.. He was very friendly by complimenting me and going out of his way to learn about a punk kid like me. I asked him how he found his way to a rough ass track in the middle of no where in Ohio? Surprisingly I found out he was born @ raised in the neighboring town before moving to Texas.. We did a moto together @ then did some play riding.. I showed him a couple lines @ the fun began. I showed him a steep bowl turn that you could hit as a kicker @ throw nice whips. He proceeds to hit the bowl @ launch 80-100 ft upside down whipped to the opposite side of the course @ downside the take off of a jump table top,, truly unreal.. More bench racing, riding tips @ an autographed poster finished the day, wow.. 2 weeks later he sparks a conversation with my brother at a party because my brother is sporting an Alpinestar hat @ claims he looks familiar. My brother explains he has a little brother resembling him that races moto. They soon figure out that I had did motos @ hung with him weeks earlier.. He asks how my results were the last couple weekends @ said to tell me hi.. Later in the year my best friend @ I approached his van at the Steel City national.. He greeted us with handshakes @ asked me how I'd been. Then proceeded to give us his pants, jersey, gloves @ each a number plate.. Anyone that goes outta their way for child @ makes a personal connection with them are good people.. Lifetime Josh Demuth signing off,, god bless you Mr. Demuth @ thanks for the great childhood memories.. What don't kill you only serves to make you stronger.
ridge
Posts
2394
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Apple Valley, CA, USA
8/7/2012 1:28pm
WeiserGuy wrote:
Sorry for the lengthy post in advance. I met Josh when he rode for the Carrollton Kawasaki Team, #48 on a KX250 to be exact.. I...
Sorry for the lengthy post in advance.

I met Josh when he rode for the Carrollton Kawasaki Team, #48 on a KX250 to be exact.. I was a teenager on a mini bike that was just starting to get fast @ take things more serious.. I was by myself(just riding, father was there) doing motos at a track in middle of no where. I see nice moto van pull up and a guy walks over next to the track to watch me.. I was finished on my timed moto but I pounded out atleast 10 more laps as he watched @ his mechanic prepped his bike. I stopped for a brake @ walked over to talk to him.. He was very friendly by complimenting me and going out of his way to learn about a punk kid like me. I asked him how he found his way to a rough ass track in the middle of no where in Ohio? Surprisingly I found out he was born @ raised in the neighboring town before moving to Texas.. We did a moto together @ then did some play riding.. I showed him a couple lines @ the fun began. I showed him a steep bowl turn that you could hit as a kicker @ throw nice whips. He proceeds to hit the bowl @ launch 80-100 ft upside down whipped to the opposite side of the course @ downside the take off of a jump table top,, truly unreal.. More bench racing, riding tips @ an autographed poster finished the day, wow.. 2 weeks later he sparks a conversation with my brother at a party because my brother is sporting an Alpinestar hat @ claims he looks familiar. My brother explains he has a little brother resembling him that races moto. They soon figure out that I had did motos @ hung with him weeks earlier.. He asks how my results were the last couple weekends @ said to tell me hi.. Later in the year my best friend @ I approached his van at the Steel City national.. He greeted us with handshakes @ asked me how I'd been. Then proceeded to give us his pants, jersey, gloves @ each a number plate.. Anyone that goes outta their way for child @ makes a personal connection with them are good people.. Lifetime Josh Demuth signing off,, god bless you Mr. Demuth @ thanks for the great childhood memories.. What don't kill you only serves to make you stronger.
Good story! I've always heard good things about him. What track was it?

BTW, the @ symbol is for "at", not "and".
burn1986
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12246
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Location
bossier city, LA, USA
8/7/2012 1:35pm
WTH?! First I heard of it, Man, poor guy!
Skip376
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317
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7/7/2012
Location
USA
8/7/2012 2:21pm
Tattoo's all over the place, scary looking guy to a young kid and yet every kid left the AX with a new favorite rider simply because of how great he treated everyone. He is the nicest person you will ever meet and he will come out of this stronger.

The Shop

gsxrcr28
Posts
7416
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3/5/2009
Location
Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
8/7/2012 2:27pm
Bummed for Josh Sad

@ Ridge - Its very cool of you to try to help.
partialperson
Posts
409
Joined
11/6/2006
Location
Murphysboro, IL, USA
8/7/2012 2:41pm
As a right BKA, below knee amputee, with one revision, amputated twice, I can tell you that he is better off with the BKA. Infection is nothing to mess with, it kills. Being and amputee since 1988 and facing another revision, the 2nd, a few years back from infection was scary. Out of control infection, $1000 a dose antibiotics, pain killers and other meds put me down for over 3 months. Taking off more of my leg was a better option than dying, but I got lucky, lived kept what was left of my leg and was wiped out financially and mentally. Still here and winning every one legged guy in an ass kicking contest.
partialperson
Posts
409
Joined
11/6/2006
Location
Murphysboro, IL, USA
8/7/2012 2:51pm
I had to wait 1 year and 3 months to get my 1st prosthesis because my leg was ripped off and amputated wrong. When I got home with the prosthesis I told my wife I wanted to hang around outside for awhile. I quietly opened the shed, rolled my bike up the street, rolled it down the hill, bump started it and was gone for 40 minutes. Came back with a shit eating grin just in time for dinner. Within a month I was back at the dragstrip makin' passes. Think positive and have fun!
Hoov
Posts
658
Joined
2/7/2010
Location
Manhattan, KS, USA
8/7/2012 3:02pm Edited Date/Time 8/7/2012 3:04pm
Josh was so happy after winning his first AX title in 2k, he came to the awards banquet in Reno dressed in a long shag, pink tuxedo...dude was so funny and happy that night for sure Smile

PS: get well soon Josh...see ya at the races Wink
426Hemi
Posts
1048
Joined
4/15/2011
Location
USA
8/7/2012 3:05pm
Best wishes to him. Sorry to hear about this injury and the latest news.
8/7/2012 4:40pm
It wasn't about the comic but the in general of his first post, the one Davy was referring to that he has since changed. I know...
It wasn't about the comic but the in general of his first post, the one Davy was referring to that he has since changed. I know we are all wishing Josh the best.
newmann wrote:
First off, I didn't change anything. Secondly, you need a beer. Thirdly, yes we are all wishing the best for Josh.
First I was talking about Davy's post he edited. He said he didn't think your post and references were funny. Second, no shit. Smile been along day. Third I know. Cheers
dehner47
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827
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Location
Mantua, NJ, USA
8/7/2012 4:42pm
Skip376 wrote:
Tattoo's all over the place, scary looking guy to a young kid and yet every kid left the AX with a new favorite rider simply because...
Tattoo's all over the place, scary looking guy to a young kid and yet every kid left the AX with a new favorite rider simply because of how great he treated everyone. He is the nicest person you will ever meet and he will come out of this stronger.
never ever judge a book by its cover. Josh is a prime example of that.
GuyB
Posts
35722
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Location
Aliso Viejo, CA, USA
8/7/2012 4:47pm
Sorry to hear it. I'd heard the broken leg was a bad deal. It's a bummer it turned out the way it did.
SIMX
Posts
633
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8/21/2006
Location
USA
8/7/2012 5:11pm Edited Date/Time 8/7/2012 5:13pm
As a right BKA, below knee amputee, with one revision, amputated twice, I can tell you that he is better off with the BKA. Infection is...
As a right BKA, below knee amputee, with one revision, amputated twice, I can tell you that he is better off with the BKA. Infection is nothing to mess with, it kills. Being and amputee since 1988 and facing another revision, the 2nd, a few years back from infection was scary. Out of control infection, $1000 a dose antibiotics, pain killers and other meds put me down for over 3 months. Taking off more of my leg was a better option than dying, but I got lucky, lived kept what was left of my leg and was wiped out financially and mentally. Still here and winning every one legged guy in an ass kicking contest.
You're my favorite one legged ass kicker & beer drinker!

Sorry to hear about Josh. Cool dude, met him at The Edge.
Motorakid
Posts
2
Joined
4/17/2009
Location
Little River, SC, USA
8/7/2012 5:46pm
Very bad thing,I know ,I lost my leg below the knee as well.33 years ago at 20 years of age after I got hit by a car,left one though,(shifting foot)almost died.I was up on a three wheeler a couple days out of the hospital shifting with my hand and riding a mx bike at a party with my bud on the back shifting for me.I was riding my own mx er in a year,however technology back then was schetchy so and racing was out for me.I've ridden ever since on and off and in 2006 at 46 started riding dirtbikes again full time.2010 I raced again for the first time in 31 years,I got blown away to a bunch of new 450's in the vet class,I was on a 10 year old yz125 at 230 lbs,but I finished.Fast forward to 2012 lost 20 lbs got a decent 450 honda I've raced about 50 motos won two championships in my classes and am currently in first in the district 29 (sc-nc) plus 50 class with a 16 point lead.My goal is always is to finish to have fun,and not get hurt(too bad)and win it if it's in the cards(it will be).As partial person said its no walk)I mean hop) in the park obviously,I too had a rough time with my first legs,swelling,bleeding limping and wearing out my good leg along the way to the point of no cartiledge in my good knee.Hope Josh gets up and going quick and if he wants to he'll ride again,and Im sure when he does he'll be fast a hell.
Drtbykr
Posts
2058
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Location
Fredericton, CA
8/7/2012 5:53pm
I've always said this, love this sport, hate this sport.

Anyone who has accomplished what Josh has must be mentally tough. He is going to need it.

Good luck to a guy that oozes coolness.
sam111
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417
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Location
NZ
8/7/2012 5:53pm Edited Date/Time 8/7/2012 6:24pm
I don't know much about Josh, but I am sorry to hear of this injury. I can't even begin to imagine how hard it would be to accept and deal with a life changing situation like this. He has a tough road ahead of him, but I wish him the best and hope he can tough through it and continue on with his life.

I remember a guy who had a full on wooden pirate peg leg (sorry about the crude description) that used to ride at my local track on a KX500. He was pretty fast too.
sam111
Posts
417
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Location
NZ
8/7/2012 6:21pm
ridge wrote:
I look at it as a blessing in disguise. His leg/foot were badly crushed so his chances of it working correctly and being pain free are...
I look at it as a blessing in disguise. His leg/foot were badly crushed so his chances of it working correctly and being pain free are slim. The doctors wasted 9 years of my life trying to fix the impossible. That could have been the best years of my life but I'll never know.

The doctors are the professionals and they should have cut my leg off the first night. They tried to scare me away from amputation once I wanted it off. Since then, it's been my goal to prove them wrong by doing more with a prosthetic than they thought possible.

Anyway, I'm happy now. I'm still in pain because my stump has some nerve problems, but I don't take pills for it or anything. It's nice to take my leg off and have all the pain go away in less than an hour.

Edit: You're right about everything you said though. Spot on.
That is an interesting point of view and I can understand your logic. I like your positive attitude, too.

My sister had her leg crushed by the roll cage of a 4WD buggy that rolled. She felt the doctors tried to push her into having it amputated. Her injury was quite high, so was marginal for a below the knee amputation. A prosthetics expert advised her that a through the knee or above the knee amputation was much more difficult to live with, so she decided to persevere with it. This involved a lot of time in hospital and a lot of operations. Her leg is far from perfect - she can't run and walks slowly with a bad limp - but she is able to do most things. The way things worked out, she is probably better off having kept her leg than she would have been without it. She was 21/22 at the time and went through some dark periods for sure.

Sorry to divert this thread from Josh, but I thought I would share my families experience.
Flatliner
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4261
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Location
CA
8/7/2012 6:32pm
Fund set up as of yet? I'd like to donate something.
TeamGreen
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Location
Thru-out, CA, USA
8/7/2012 6:54pm
Flatliner wrote:
Fund set up as of yet? I'd like to donate something.
Good point...

Need to build a "One-Footer-Scooter" for Josh.
rpoint116
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870
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Location
Tempe, AZ, USA
8/7/2012 6:56pm
Get well soon!!!
jeffro503
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St Helens, OR, USA
8/7/2012 7:53pm
I had to wait 1 year and 3 months to get my 1st prosthesis because my leg was ripped off and amputated wrong. When I got...
I had to wait 1 year and 3 months to get my 1st prosthesis because my leg was ripped off and amputated wrong. When I got home with the prosthesis I told my wife I wanted to hang around outside for awhile. I quietly opened the shed, rolled my bike up the street, rolled it down the hill, bump started it and was gone for 40 minutes. Came back with a shit eating grin just in time for dinner. Within a month I was back at the dragstrip makin' passes. Think positive and have fun!
Dude!.....I read what you posted in both your replies above....and I gotta say " Good for you man!" That's awesome you still have that drive! No use feeling down about things........when you can keep your chin up and still do things like the way you have. Very cool story man!
Falcon
Posts
12475
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11/16/2011
Location
Menifee, CA, USA
8/7/2012 8:00pm
When I was working at a Yamaha dealer, I met and sold a bike to a guy who had lost his left leg below the knee. Sean was really inspiring; he simply created a right-side shift lever by punching the shift shaft out the right side engine case and creating a seal for it, then running two separate brake levers and master cylinders on the handlebar (one for each wheel.) Hr ran a prosthesis on the left leg and just went for it. Dude was pretty fast, too!

I know Demuth will be OK. You don't get to be an Arenacross Champion by giving up easily.
exsarg
Posts
514
Joined
11/26/2010
Location
CA
8/7/2012 8:22pm
josh rode the canadian nats one year. 09 or 10 . talked to him in the pits. super freindly liked to talk moto. always awsome in interviews. i know he will get through this and take on more challenges. anyone who can race at that level has the ability to make it. get well soon.!!!
BobbyM
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21437
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Location
USA
8/7/2012 8:25pm
Flatliner wrote:
Fund set up as of yet? I'd like to donate something.
TeamGreen wrote:
Good point...

Need to build a "One-Footer-Scooter" for Josh.
got a couple of slightly used titanium feet he can have...i'll even throw in a calibrated limp at no charge. ridge is right about possibly being better off at this point losing....the lower leg considering how badly his injury was/is
WhipMeister
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5264
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Location
Big D, TX, USA
8/7/2012 8:33pm
BobbyM wrote:
got a couple of slightly used titanium feet he can have...i'll even throw in a calibrated limp at no charge. ridge is right about possibly being...
got a couple of slightly used titanium feet he can have...i'll even throw in a calibrated limp at no charge. ridge is right about possibly being better off at this point losing....the lower leg considering how badly his injury was/is
Got a good friend here in Big D who lost his leg after an RD350 bit him. He's now a prosthetic tech and a bit of a moto head. And an awesome drummer. Need to try to get him hooked up with JD.
4mxonly
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1060
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2/17/2008
Location
Middle Of The Hand, MI, USA
8/7/2012 9:13pm
Sorry to hear about Josh. His reputation certainly precedes him as a badass on the bike, super talented, and also extremely personable and all-around nice guy. While I am sorry to hear about his misfortune, I have no doubt he'll be back on a bike in no time if that is what he wants. Moreover, the Extremity Games guys are some of the best people in motocross; between Ridge, Waz, Schultz, Glissen, Papppas, and everyone else who rides as an amputee or paraplegic, they will undoubtedly welcome him into their inner circle of racing and light-hearted shenanigans (as they do with everyone--regardless of your speed, color, or creed).
GuyB
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35722
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Location
Aliso Viejo, CA, USA
8/7/2012 11:43pm
The part that's missing from the subject line here? ...Still a Champion.
moore433
Posts
525
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11/2/2011
Location
Denton, TX, USA
8/8/2012 5:11am
I live in N. Texas as does Josh. We would see him at different tracks around the area and even if he just hopped off the bike or what , my boys would go over and talk to him. He was always great with them and they look up to him.. Josh is a strong guy, and one bad ass on a bike. Good Luck Josh!!!!


PS. Thank you for being the great guy you are and always taking time for the kids!!!!
JLong
Posts
624
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Location
Haslet, TX, USA
8/8/2012 6:55am
GuyB wrote:
The part that's missing from the subject line here? ...Still a Champion.
...3x
8/14/2012 3:24pm
As soon as we get Stone's auction wrapped up, I need about a 2 week break to have a spinal stimulator installed in my body. After I return home Team Sakai Racing will start working on a project to see if we can help Josh with his latest setback

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