Jim West was injured in an accident during the first of the two heats of the Cycle World International, a race of the Trans AMA Series at the old Saddleback Park motorcross track in Irvine, California on November 30, 1975.  Jim, riding a Maico, was in seventh place when he crashed upon landing after a big jump.  According to witnesses, Jim fell backwards, landing on his back, and was hit by his motorcycle.  He died during emergency surgery at Chapman General Hospital in Orange.  The cause of death was listed as massive internal injuries.  Jim was 23 years old.