Danny Davis, the US rider who looked like one of the brightest prospects for the Olympics, has injured himself in an ATV accident.

The easy-going shred-head, who’s big burly style and laid back steeze have taken him to the pinnacle of his sport, suffered a fractured vertebrae while apparently crashing the quadbike into a closed gate at 3.30 in the morning. According to local newspaper the Park Record, it is unclear whether Danny or his friend Elliot Levitt was driving the ATV at the time.

Thankfully, unlike Kevin Pearce’s recent injury, Danny’s is not life-threatening. Although he and Elliot were taken to intensive care, Danny should be fine after going through surgery. However, the accident means he will be out for at least the rest of the season, and has killed any chances he had of going to the Olympics.

Before the crash, Danny was looking like a strong contender for one of the four US Olympic spots, having won one of the Mammoth Mountain Qualifiers with one of the best halfpipe runs ever seen. As well as being an incredibly talented rider, Danny is also a dude – as his interview in the forthcoming issue of Whitelines proves, and we wish him all the best for a speedy recovery.