X-Gamer ‘K-Rob’ dies
R.I. native, BMX stunt rider was 45 years old
EAST PROVIDENCE – City officials and residents Monday were mourning the death of X Games star and BMX biker Kevin “K-Rob” Robinson, an East Providence native who died Saturday of a stroke. Family spokesperson and former City Councilwoman, Tracy Adams Capobianco released a statement Saturday, saying: “It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that I have to share this - we have lost a very special member dof our family. My brother-in law, Kevin, passed away suddenly from a stroke earlier today. Please respect my sister, Robin, and her privacy during this tremendously difficult time.”
Robinson grew up in East Providence and was a 1989 East Providence High School graduate. In 2011, Robinson was inducted into the East Providence High School Hall of Fame.
Robinson earned gold medals in the X Games and retired from competition in 2013. He jumped 84 feet in Providence last year, setting a world record for the longest power-assisted bicycle backflip. d He lived in Barrington with his wife and three children.
Ward 4 City Councilman Brian J. Faria issues a statement yesterday, saying, “On behalf of the East Providence City Council, we would like to offer our deepest sympathies on the sudden passing of Kevin Robinson, the husband of Robin Robinson and the father of their three beautiful children. His presence will be sorely missed.”
Highland Mountain Bike Park in Northfield, N.H, also issued a statement: “Highland lost a great friend over the weekend. Taken from this earth too soon, Kevin “K-Rob” Robinson is no longer with us. He was a positive life force, a legend and a rare individual who could push the limits of humankind. His celebrity status never got in the way of his selfless personality. He was a man that you could look up to and inspire to be. RIP K-Rob we will miss everything about you.”
Woodland BMX in West Greenwich posted a message on social media yesterday, saying, “Today Rhode Island BMX lost a legend. He was a great father, husband, and BMX rider. Ride in Peace Kevin Robinson.”
Robinson was known as one of the most progressive and creative Vert and MegaRamp riders in BMX. After 11 X Games appearances and three bronze medals, his dream season came in 2006 when he took home two gold medals from X Games 12. In the BMX Vert Best Trick competition, Robinson made history when he became the first to land the fabled double flair (two back flips with a 180 degree twist). Two days later at X Games, he took his second gold medal in the inaugural BMX Big Air event.
In 2007 Robinson added to his X Games medal collection a Bronze in BMX Vert and a Gold in BMX Big Air. He also took the honor of “Athlete of the Games.”
On June 12, 2008 in New York’s Central Park, Robinson set a new BMX high air world record soaring 55 feet above ground. The following Monday he appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman to discuss the feat.
In May of 2010, Robinson launched the K-Rob Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children in his hometown of East Providence and surrounding communities. The purpose of the foundation is to positively transform the lives of these children by getting them involved, and keeping them involved in athletics as a means to learn discipline, focus, teamwork and healthy living habits.
The Foundation also focuses on strengthening the Rhode Island community by providing affordable, quality events that promote healthy living and positive relationships throughout the community. The K-Rob Foundation has given back over $70,000 in both cash and in-kind donations.
In June of 2016, the K-Rob Foundation completed the City of East Providence’s very first free public skate park, which was Robinson’s lifelong dream In 2011, Robin missed X Games 17 due to a shoulder injury. He became a commentator and analyst for EPSN alongside Tony Hawk, Jeremy McGrath and Dennis McCoy. He also started a Target program at Camp Woodward in Pennsylvania, where he hosted several vert ramp contests throughout the summer. That year he also started K-Rob BMX School Assembly Programs, giving motiva- tional speeches to schools and businesses all over the country. He also spoke to schools, business and military groups all over the country.
In addition to speaking at schools, Robinson was a keynote speaker at workshops and business events nationally, including Cox Communications Year End Celebration, Target Yearly Corporate Meeting, American Express Business Seminar, Disney Cruise Lines, Red Bull Yearly Corporate Meeting, and TED talk conference.
In addition to his motivational speaking engagements, he also started his own line of innovative protective apparel line called Grindz. Robinson and his wife came up with this idea while trying to figure out the easiest way for their own children to wear pads while out on their bikes.
In 2012, Kevin was back for the X Games to compete in MegaRamp’s Big Air event and took home a bronze medal. In addition to competing, Robinson was a commentator for the X Games and made guest appearances on X Center and Good Day LA.
Most recently, Robinson smashed the Guinness World Record for longest power assisted bicycle back flip by jumping an incredible 84 feet from ramp to ramp. The event aired live on ESPN and the feat ended up in the Top 5 on SportsCenter.
Robinson always said that his most important role in life was being a devoted husband and father.