Remember Neal Mims? I never knew what happened to him. Every one in a while I’d think “Man, that guy was everywhere and then he just disappeared.” But I never looked into it or anything. Well, I just read the article on the last few years of his life in the June 2005 issue of The Skateboard Mag and it’s interesting stuff to say the least. It’s interesting how a single slam could have such an impact on someone’s entire life.
You’ll need to read the full article, but to sum up, remember that Transworld video where Neal slams on the handrail and splits his face open and has to go to the hospital? I didn’t know this, but he basically couldn’t do handrails after that, and that’s most of what he was known for before.
He started drinking more, succumbed to the alcoholism that runs in his family, and has lived the last few years just trying to make ends meet. At one point he was living in a room under a halfpipe in the DC warehouse. I assume with their permission.
Perhaps what makes the story more interesting is that it appears that Neal hasn’t totally made it back yet, but he’s in the process as of the writing of the magazine piece. From the photos it looks like he still has some talent left in him. It’d be nice to see him make a full comeback and enjoy some of the benefits of what he lost on the day of that fateful handrail.
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I think he was on that Xgames last year manned up the mic where Jason Ellis was coz Ellis was competing on the UberRamp. That’ll be a cool gig if that was him.
wow thats amazing i saw that slam in the transworld video the reason it was pretty horrifying i cant believe it effected him so much it took his love and will to skate away i feel really bad
i was with my sister last night in downtown denver getting some pizza at two fisted marios and i actually sat on those stairs and ate pizza right next to the rail that , according to this ended his career. man wierd. it made me think of what happened to him after that, and now i know.
From what I hear, is that Neal is on his way to full recovery mentally and physically and with out a doubt you will be seeing some photos in the mag real soon!! Keep an I out..
Update. Neal is skating better than ever, and has his daughter living with him now in CA. He skates better than ever and has a new fuel to be the best! All the mags want interviews with hi,he deserves it. Lets say a prayer that the rise continues, for himself and his fans. Aloha
…oh Neal is back…just click your heels together three times, kick back and watch….known him since the day he was born…he`s back
Neal is a great guy.
…saw him this past week end and he looks great..makes me happy fer sure
Neal was a rocker ~ May we see more of his smooth style! Common Neal! You can do it!
Neal mims is my daddy and i am so super proud of him
he is my inspiration in life and he is the reason i want to follow my dreams !
i love you daddy !
-lala