Australian motocross rider Joel Evans dies following crash at ProMX Championship
Credits: Instagram @joelevans_81
Australian
motocross rider
Joel Evans has died following a crash during a top-level race at the 2025
ProMX Championship
in Gillman,
South Australia
. The 30-year-old Queenslander suffered serious injuries during a single-bike incident in the
MX1 category
on Sunday afternoon. Despite emergency efforts and being rushed to hospital, Evans passed away later that evening.
While the precise cause of the crash has not been detailed, Motorcycling Australia confirmed it was a single-bike incident during the MX1 race that required the full attention of medical crews. The event was immediately abandoned, and South Australian Police are now investigating, urging anyone with footage or information to contact Crime Stoppers.
Tributes Flow for Resilient and Passionate Racer
Evans' death has sent shockwaves through the motocross community, with an outpouring of grief from fans, fellow riders, and loved ones. His sister, Renae Ferris, shared a deeply emotional tribute:
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"I could never have imagined that it was going to be the day that my little brother took his final breath. Joel was doing what he loved and was in one of the happiest eras of his life, but that doesn't make saying goodbye any easier. He used to joke about not wanting to get old — now he never has to."
Joel leaves behind his fiancée Michaela Hurt and a family known for their close bond. Renae called him 'the best brother a girl could ask for and an even greater uncle for my girls.'
A Life Defined by Comebacks and Commitment
Joel Evans was a true privateer — a rider who raced not for fame or financial gain but for sheer passion. Introduced to motocross as a child on a 50cc bike, he committed his life to the sport. His journey was documented through his YouTube channel, where he shared insights into the struggles and triumphs of competing independently.
In 2015, Evans suffered a devastating crash at Murray Bridge that nearly left him paralysed. He broke two vertebrae in his neck and was placed in a week-long induced coma. Defying medical odds, he learned to walk again and returned to racing within a year , despite regaining only partial strength in his left arm.
'Joel lived for the dream,' said
Honda Racing Australia
Director Yarrive Konsky. 'Every dollar earned, every sacrifice made was simply to make it to the next race.'
Remembered by Friends and the Motocross Family
Evans' competitors and friends expressed their shock and sorrow. Race winner Kyle Webster called him 'an absolute legend,' while fellow rider Regan Duffy reflected on their last conversation:
'Joel was telling me of plans to go race in America and just seemed so happy beforehand. One minute you're talking s*** on the line and the next they are gone.'
Other tributes came from riders Nathan Crawford, Luke Clout, and Brandon Steel, who each highlighted Evans' love for the sport and his kind spirit. Longtime friend Stephen Smith described him as 'one of the best humans on this planet.'
MXRP Motorcycle Performance added, 'You will be missed by many & forgotten by none, you're flying high now, mate.'
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