PROVO, Utah — Former BYU track and field sprinter Scott Mecham passed away Wednesday afternoon after a tragic mountain biking accident.
Mecham's family released a statement Wednesday that he was in a bad crash on Friday, Sept. 12. He was flown by helicopter to a local hospital then transferred to the University of Utah Medical Center. Mecham passed away Wednesday afternoon.
"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Scott Mecham," said Ed Eyestone, BYU director of track and field. "Scott had one of the most positive attitudes and strong work ethics that we have seen in the BYU track and field program. His teammates were made better by his example, and he became one of our best 400-meter hurdlers in school history. But even more inspiring than his athletic skills, his true strength was his character and ability to lead and inspire in his unassuming, humble way. We will miss you, Scott."
Mecham competed from from 2017 through 2019, racing in 30 meets for the Cougars throughout his collegiate career. As one of the program's all-time top sprinters, Mecham holds the No. 6 all-time performance in the outdoor 400m hurdles with a 50.15 outing at the 2018 BYU Robison Invitational.
"Scott was a great athlete, and an even more incredible person," said Kyle Grossarth, who served as Mecham's sprints coach. "He was a fierce competitor who always left everything out on the track. Through all of his hard work, he was able to become one of BYU’s all time Top-10 400 hurdlers when he just missed breaking the 50-second barrier, running 50.15. Scott was an ambassador for BYU and a true disciple of Jesus Christ. He was a man who lived the gospel, always stood up for what was right, was a great teammate and an amazing example. He truly embodied what being a BYU student-athlete is all about."
Mecham is survived by his wife Cierra and his two daughters, Jayden and Parker. Friends and family have set up a GoFundMe to help assist the family financially in this difficult time.