Devastating pregnancy twist after star's death
The fiancee of a motocross star killed in a shocking crash at a competition on Sunday has revealed she was pregnant with his child in a heartbreaking social media post.
Joel Evans was injured in a crash while riding in the elite division of a ProMX Championship event at the Gillman Speedway in Adelaide's northern suburbs on Sunday afternoon.
The event was called off and Mr Evans was rushed to hospital, where he died later that day.
Michaela Hurt, Mr Evans' fiancee, revealed her pregnancy in a bittersweet tribute to her late partner, referring to her unborn child as their 'silver lining'.
'Our beautiful Joely … a piece of you lives on,' Ms Hurt wrote in a social media post, referring to the child, due in October.
'Yesterday we lost the most incredible person on this earth.'
'The most authentic, loved and kind hearted soul.
'He loved and devoted his life to this sport which brought him so much joy and he rode it out right till the end.' Joel Evans was due to become a father in October, with his fiance Michaela Hurt expecting their child. Instagram Credit: Supplied
Ms Hurt thanked everyone who would keep Mr Evans' memory alive.
'We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support for our beautiful man,' she wrote.
'He is such a loved partner, uncle, brother, friend and son but most proudly a father to our adored little boy who is joining us in October.'
'Please share his name, share his legacy, this incredible man deserves to be remembered across the generations.
'We love you so much Joely.'
The couple were engaged in October of last year.
Although now a single mother, Ms Hurt will be supported by loving friends and family, with Mr Evans' sister vowed to be by her side. Ms Hurt won't raise their child alone as friends and family have vowed to support her. Instagram Credit: Supplied The couple became engaged last year. Instagram Credit: Supplied
'I am lost for words, but I'll try,' Alex wrote in a heartwrenching social media post of her own.
'On Sunday I lost so much more than a brother. You were my best friend, the godfather to my babies, it felt like twins, you were such a piece to my puzzle. My boys were so lucky to have you.
'To our best friend Michaela I wish I could take your heartache and pain. I promise to support, care and love for you and my gorgeous boy coming as best I can. The way Joely would want me to.
'To my family I'm sure people get through this, it will take time for us to navigate that.
'You are supposed to still be here, this was not the way it was meant to be, I don't want to believe it and in this moment I honestly am not sure how to do it without you.'
She said her brother was 'doing what he loved and was in one of the happiest eras of his life'. This comes after Mr Evans died in a crash at a track near Port Adelaide. Instagram Credit: Supplied
Motocross clubs around the world have also shared condolences, as have parents whose children were trained by Mr Evans in his home state of Queensland.
A message has been posted to his official Facebook page, which has 27,000 followers, which said the 30-year-old was expecting to become a father.
'Yesterday we lost the most incredible person on this earth. The most authentic, loved and kind hearted soul,' the message reads.
'He loved and devoted his life to this sport which brought him so much joy and he rode it out right till the end. We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support for our beautiful man.
'He is such a loved partner, uncle, brother, friend and son but most proudly a father to our adored little boy who is joining us in October.'
Mr Evans' sister, Renae, said her family had been 'changed forever'.
'What do you say when you have no words? Yesterday our lives changed forever,' she wrote.
Her sibling was the 'best brother a girl could ask for, and an even greater uncle for my girls', she said.
'We love you so much buddy. More than you'll ever understand. Ride. In. Peace #81.
'And for those reading. Hug your loved ones extra today, and please don't ever take your time for granted.
'Tomorrow isn't promised for any of us.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- The Advertiser
Cherry-Evans makes Origin statement in big Manly win
Daly Cherry-Evans says he would still be grateful if his Queensland State of Origin career ended tomorrow, after making a statement in Manly's 34-6 win over Brisbane. Three days after Queensland's series-opening loss prompted questions over Cherry-Evans' position, the Maroons captain answered his critics at Brookvale. The Manly No.7 had a hand in all four of the Sea Eagles' first-half tries, in what was close to his best game in months. Lehi Hopoate was also superb filling in for Tom Trbojevic at fullback, while Haumole Olakau'atu scored a double to send Manly back into the top eight. The result consigned Brisbane to their sixth loss in seven games, with the Broncos in freefall and out of a finals-finishing position for the first time this year. But the story was Cherry-Evans, who has been subject to calls from the likes of Andrew Johns for him to be axed from Queensland's side in recent days. The 36-year-old was only cleared to play for Manly on Saturday morning, before being diplomatic on his Origin future after the match. "At the end of the day I have to try and keep it really simple. I play footy for a living. I am so grateful for the opportunity," Cherry-Evans said. "If it ended, I played 26 Origin games. I am very grateful for that. But I would love to be back there again. "I just love playing footy for this club and this team. We haven't found our best footy consistently yet. Tonight is a reminder that it's there." Cherry-Evans would not enter into debate about whether Saturday night's performance helped his cause to add to his 26 Origins in Perth on June 18. But it certainly can't have hurt, in what was one of his best performances since announcing in March he was leaving Manly at year's end. The half kicked in the lead-up to three tries, routinely booted Manly out of trouble, and had the Sea Eagles' right edge back playing with depth again. And it all came within hours of Tom Dearden starring for North Queensland, with the Cowboys No.7 considered the other option for the Maroons. Cherry-Evans laid on Manly's first try when he grubbered for Clayton Faulalo, and Jesse Arthars failed to dive on the loose ball in the in-goal. Faulalo's second try came when Cherry-Evans sent the ball right and Hopoate fired a perfect cut-out ball for the winger to go over. Nathan Brown was the next to benefit from Cherry-Evans' kicking game, with the big prop chasing down a grubber. And when Cherry-Evans toed one ahead for Hopoate and the fullback sent Olakau'atu over on halftime, it was 22-6. This was also close to Olakau'atu's best game since March, with a number of powerful runs to go with his passing game on the right edge. He had a second try late to seal the match, leaping up to take a Luke Brooks kick and dive over the line. Hopoate was the other star, setting the tone when he burst through a Payne Haas tackle in the opening set, before finishing the night with 228 metres. Haas was gallant for Brisbane three nights after being man of the match in Origin on a torn quad, but the spark is clearly missing from the Broncos attack. Ezra Mam had his moments, but he still made three errors and was booed by the Brookvale crowd with every touch of the ball. Arthars had limited impact at fullback, as did Selwyn Cobbo on the wing, with the Broncos a long way removed from the team that ran in 50 points in round one. "There were patches of what we can do and there are patches we need to improve on," coach Michael Maguire said. "It's straightforward. We will look at it and make sure we have long periods of what we want to do in our game." Daly Cherry-Evans says he would still be grateful if his Queensland State of Origin career ended tomorrow, after making a statement in Manly's 34-6 win over Brisbane. Three days after Queensland's series-opening loss prompted questions over Cherry-Evans' position, the Maroons captain answered his critics at Brookvale. The Manly No.7 had a hand in all four of the Sea Eagles' first-half tries, in what was close to his best game in months. Lehi Hopoate was also superb filling in for Tom Trbojevic at fullback, while Haumole Olakau'atu scored a double to send Manly back into the top eight. The result consigned Brisbane to their sixth loss in seven games, with the Broncos in freefall and out of a finals-finishing position for the first time this year. But the story was Cherry-Evans, who has been subject to calls from the likes of Andrew Johns for him to be axed from Queensland's side in recent days. The 36-year-old was only cleared to play for Manly on Saturday morning, before being diplomatic on his Origin future after the match. "At the end of the day I have to try and keep it really simple. I play footy for a living. I am so grateful for the opportunity," Cherry-Evans said. "If it ended, I played 26 Origin games. I am very grateful for that. But I would love to be back there again. "I just love playing footy for this club and this team. We haven't found our best footy consistently yet. Tonight is a reminder that it's there." Cherry-Evans would not enter into debate about whether Saturday night's performance helped his cause to add to his 26 Origins in Perth on June 18. But it certainly can't have hurt, in what was one of his best performances since announcing in March he was leaving Manly at year's end. The half kicked in the lead-up to three tries, routinely booted Manly out of trouble, and had the Sea Eagles' right edge back playing with depth again. And it all came within hours of Tom Dearden starring for North Queensland, with the Cowboys No.7 considered the other option for the Maroons. Cherry-Evans laid on Manly's first try when he grubbered for Clayton Faulalo, and Jesse Arthars failed to dive on the loose ball in the in-goal. Faulalo's second try came when Cherry-Evans sent the ball right and Hopoate fired a perfect cut-out ball for the winger to go over. Nathan Brown was the next to benefit from Cherry-Evans' kicking game, with the big prop chasing down a grubber. And when Cherry-Evans toed one ahead for Hopoate and the fullback sent Olakau'atu over on halftime, it was 22-6. This was also close to Olakau'atu's best game since March, with a number of powerful runs to go with his passing game on the right edge. He had a second try late to seal the match, leaping up to take a Luke Brooks kick and dive over the line. Hopoate was the other star, setting the tone when he burst through a Payne Haas tackle in the opening set, before finishing the night with 228 metres. Haas was gallant for Brisbane three nights after being man of the match in Origin on a torn quad, but the spark is clearly missing from the Broncos attack. Ezra Mam had his moments, but he still made three errors and was booed by the Brookvale crowd with every touch of the ball. Arthars had limited impact at fullback, as did Selwyn Cobbo on the wing, with the Broncos a long way removed from the team that ran in 50 points in round one. "There were patches of what we can do and there are patches we need to improve on," coach Michael Maguire said. "It's straightforward. We will look at it and make sure we have long periods of what we want to do in our game." Daly Cherry-Evans says he would still be grateful if his Queensland State of Origin career ended tomorrow, after making a statement in Manly's 34-6 win over Brisbane. Three days after Queensland's series-opening loss prompted questions over Cherry-Evans' position, the Maroons captain answered his critics at Brookvale. The Manly No.7 had a hand in all four of the Sea Eagles' first-half tries, in what was close to his best game in months. Lehi Hopoate was also superb filling in for Tom Trbojevic at fullback, while Haumole Olakau'atu scored a double to send Manly back into the top eight. The result consigned Brisbane to their sixth loss in seven games, with the Broncos in freefall and out of a finals-finishing position for the first time this year. But the story was Cherry-Evans, who has been subject to calls from the likes of Andrew Johns for him to be axed from Queensland's side in recent days. The 36-year-old was only cleared to play for Manly on Saturday morning, before being diplomatic on his Origin future after the match. "At the end of the day I have to try and keep it really simple. I play footy for a living. I am so grateful for the opportunity," Cherry-Evans said. "If it ended, I played 26 Origin games. I am very grateful for that. But I would love to be back there again. "I just love playing footy for this club and this team. We haven't found our best footy consistently yet. Tonight is a reminder that it's there." Cherry-Evans would not enter into debate about whether Saturday night's performance helped his cause to add to his 26 Origins in Perth on June 18. But it certainly can't have hurt, in what was one of his best performances since announcing in March he was leaving Manly at year's end. The half kicked in the lead-up to three tries, routinely booted Manly out of trouble, and had the Sea Eagles' right edge back playing with depth again. And it all came within hours of Tom Dearden starring for North Queensland, with the Cowboys No.7 considered the other option for the Maroons. Cherry-Evans laid on Manly's first try when he grubbered for Clayton Faulalo, and Jesse Arthars failed to dive on the loose ball in the in-goal. Faulalo's second try came when Cherry-Evans sent the ball right and Hopoate fired a perfect cut-out ball for the winger to go over. Nathan Brown was the next to benefit from Cherry-Evans' kicking game, with the big prop chasing down a grubber. And when Cherry-Evans toed one ahead for Hopoate and the fullback sent Olakau'atu over on halftime, it was 22-6. This was also close to Olakau'atu's best game since March, with a number of powerful runs to go with his passing game on the right edge. He had a second try late to seal the match, leaping up to take a Luke Brooks kick and dive over the line. Hopoate was the other star, setting the tone when he burst through a Payne Haas tackle in the opening set, before finishing the night with 228 metres. Haas was gallant for Brisbane three nights after being man of the match in Origin on a torn quad, but the spark is clearly missing from the Broncos attack. Ezra Mam had his moments, but he still made three errors and was booed by the Brookvale crowd with every touch of the ball. Arthars had limited impact at fullback, as did Selwyn Cobbo on the wing, with the Broncos a long way removed from the team that ran in 50 points in round one. "There were patches of what we can do and there are patches we need to improve on," coach Michael Maguire said. "It's straightforward. We will look at it and make sure we have long periods of what we want to do in our game."
7NEWS
5 days ago
- 7NEWS
Daly Cherry-Evans sends emphatic message to Origin critics as Sea Eagles hammer Broncos
Daly Cherry-Evans has sent a message to his State of Origin critics, producing his best match in months to lead Manly to a 34-6 win over Brisbane. Three days after Queensland's loss left questions over his spot in the Maroons' side, Cherry-Evans set up three tries in the Sea Eagles' win at Brookvale. Lehi Hopoate was also superb filling in for Tom Trbojevic at fullback, while winger Haumole Olakau'atu scored a double to send Manly back into the top eight. The result consigned Brisbane to their sixth loss in seven games, with the Broncos in freefall and out of a finals-finishing position for the first time this year. But the story was Cherry-Evans, who turned in his best performance since announcing in March that he is leaving the Sea Eagles at year's end. The 36-year-old combined brilliantly with Hopoate, and was back involved in everything for the Sea Eagles. The half kicked in the lead-up to three tries, routinely booted Manly out of trouble, and had the Sea Eagles' right edge back playing with depth again. Crucially, the Maroons skipper's outing came hours after his rival for the Queensland No.7 spot, Tom Dearden, starred in the Cowboys' win over Wests Tigers. Cherry-Evans laid on Manly's first try when he grubbered for Clayton Faulalo, and Jesse Arthars failed to dive on the loose ball in the in-goal. Faulalo's second try came when Cherry-Evans sent the ball right and Hopoate fired a perfect cut-out ball for the winger to go over. It was one of several highlights for Faulalo, who twice kept the ball in play by popping it up in the air as he ran out like a cricket fielder on the boundary. Nathan Brown was the next to benefit from Cherry-Evans' kicking game, with the big prop chasing down a grubber for his first try since 2022. And when Cherry-Evans toed one ahead for Hopoate and the fullback sent Haumole Olakau'atu over on halftime, it was 22-6 and the halfback had made a statement. This was also close to Olakau'atu's best game since March, with a number of powerful runs to go with his passing game on the right edge. He had a second try late to seal the match, leaping up to take a Luke Brooks kick and dive over the line. Hopoate was the other star, setting the tone when he burst through a Payne Haas tackle in the opening set, before finishing the night with 228 metres. Haas was gallant for Brisbane three nights after being man of the match in Origin on a torn quad, but the spark is clearly missing from the Broncos attack. Ezra Mam had his moments, but he still made three errors and was booed by the Brookvale hill with every touch of the ball. Jesse Arthars had limited impact at fullback, as did Selwyn Cobbo on the wing, with the Broncos a long way removed from the team that ran in 50 points in round one.
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- The Advertiser
Cherry-Evans makes statement as Manly sweep Broncos
Daly Cherry-Evans has sent a message to his State of Origin critics, producing his best match in months to lead Manly to a 34-6 win over Brisbane. Three days after Queensland's loss left questions over his spot in the Maroons' side, Cherry-Evans set up three tries in the Sea Eagles' win at Brookvale. Lehi Hopoate was also superb filling in for Tom Trbojevic at fullback, while winger Haumole Olakau'atu scored a double to send Manly back into the top eight. The result consigned Brisbane to their sixth loss in seven games, with the Broncos in freefall and out of a finals-finishing position for the first time this year. But the story was Cherry-Evans, who turned in his best performance since announcing in March that he is leaving the Sea Eagles at year's end. The 36-year-old combined brilliantly with Hopoate, and was back involved in everything for the Sea Eagles. The half kicked in the lead-up to three tries, routinely booted Manly out of trouble, and had the Sea Eagles' right edge back playing with depth again. Crucially, the Maroons skipper's outing came hours after his rival for the Queensland No.7 spot, Tom Dearden, starred in the Cowboys' win over Wests Tigers. Cherry-Evans laid on Manly's first try when he grubbered for Clayton Faulalo, and Jesse Arthars failed to dive on the loose ball in the in-goal. Faulalo's second try came when Cherry-Evans sent the ball right and Hopoate fired a perfect cut-out ball for the winger to go over. It was one of several highlights for Faulalo, who twice kept the ball in play by popping it up in the air as he ran out like a cricket fielder on the boundary. Nathan Brown was the next to benefit from Cherry-Evans' kicking game, with the big prop chasing down a grubber for his first try since 2022. And when Cherry-Evans toed one ahead for Hopoate and the fullback sent Haumole Olakau'atu over on halftime, it was 22-6 and the halfback had made a statement. This was also close to Olakau'atu's best game since March, with a number of powerful runs to go with his passing game on the right edge. He had a second try late to seal the match, leaping up to take a Luke Brooks kick and dive over the line. Hopoate was the other star, setting the tone when he burst through a Payne Haas tackle in the opening set, before finishing the night with 228 metres. Haas was gallant for Brisbane three nights after being man of the match in Origin on a torn quad, but the spark is clearly missing from the Broncos attack. Ezra Mam had his moments, but he still made three errors and was booed by the Brookvale hill with every touch of the ball. Jesse Arthars had limited impact at fullback, as did Selwyn Cobbo on the wing, with the Broncos a long way removed from the team that ran in 50 points in round one. Daly Cherry-Evans has sent a message to his State of Origin critics, producing his best match in months to lead Manly to a 34-6 win over Brisbane. Three days after Queensland's loss left questions over his spot in the Maroons' side, Cherry-Evans set up three tries in the Sea Eagles' win at Brookvale. Lehi Hopoate was also superb filling in for Tom Trbojevic at fullback, while winger Haumole Olakau'atu scored a double to send Manly back into the top eight. The result consigned Brisbane to their sixth loss in seven games, with the Broncos in freefall and out of a finals-finishing position for the first time this year. But the story was Cherry-Evans, who turned in his best performance since announcing in March that he is leaving the Sea Eagles at year's end. The 36-year-old combined brilliantly with Hopoate, and was back involved in everything for the Sea Eagles. The half kicked in the lead-up to three tries, routinely booted Manly out of trouble, and had the Sea Eagles' right edge back playing with depth again. Crucially, the Maroons skipper's outing came hours after his rival for the Queensland No.7 spot, Tom Dearden, starred in the Cowboys' win over Wests Tigers. Cherry-Evans laid on Manly's first try when he grubbered for Clayton Faulalo, and Jesse Arthars failed to dive on the loose ball in the in-goal. Faulalo's second try came when Cherry-Evans sent the ball right and Hopoate fired a perfect cut-out ball for the winger to go over. It was one of several highlights for Faulalo, who twice kept the ball in play by popping it up in the air as he ran out like a cricket fielder on the boundary. Nathan Brown was the next to benefit from Cherry-Evans' kicking game, with the big prop chasing down a grubber for his first try since 2022. And when Cherry-Evans toed one ahead for Hopoate and the fullback sent Haumole Olakau'atu over on halftime, it was 22-6 and the halfback had made a statement. This was also close to Olakau'atu's best game since March, with a number of powerful runs to go with his passing game on the right edge. He had a second try late to seal the match, leaping up to take a Luke Brooks kick and dive over the line. Hopoate was the other star, setting the tone when he burst through a Payne Haas tackle in the opening set, before finishing the night with 228 metres. Haas was gallant for Brisbane three nights after being man of the match in Origin on a torn quad, but the spark is clearly missing from the Broncos attack. Ezra Mam had his moments, but he still made three errors and was booed by the Brookvale hill with every touch of the ball. Jesse Arthars had limited impact at fullback, as did Selwyn Cobbo on the wing, with the Broncos a long way removed from the team that ran in 50 points in round one. Daly Cherry-Evans has sent a message to his State of Origin critics, producing his best match in months to lead Manly to a 34-6 win over Brisbane. Three days after Queensland's loss left questions over his spot in the Maroons' side, Cherry-Evans set up three tries in the Sea Eagles' win at Brookvale. Lehi Hopoate was also superb filling in for Tom Trbojevic at fullback, while winger Haumole Olakau'atu scored a double to send Manly back into the top eight. The result consigned Brisbane to their sixth loss in seven games, with the Broncos in freefall and out of a finals-finishing position for the first time this year. But the story was Cherry-Evans, who turned in his best performance since announcing in March that he is leaving the Sea Eagles at year's end. The 36-year-old combined brilliantly with Hopoate, and was back involved in everything for the Sea Eagles. The half kicked in the lead-up to three tries, routinely booted Manly out of trouble, and had the Sea Eagles' right edge back playing with depth again. Crucially, the Maroons skipper's outing came hours after his rival for the Queensland No.7 spot, Tom Dearden, starred in the Cowboys' win over Wests Tigers. Cherry-Evans laid on Manly's first try when he grubbered for Clayton Faulalo, and Jesse Arthars failed to dive on the loose ball in the in-goal. Faulalo's second try came when Cherry-Evans sent the ball right and Hopoate fired a perfect cut-out ball for the winger to go over. It was one of several highlights for Faulalo, who twice kept the ball in play by popping it up in the air as he ran out like a cricket fielder on the boundary. Nathan Brown was the next to benefit from Cherry-Evans' kicking game, with the big prop chasing down a grubber for his first try since 2022. And when Cherry-Evans toed one ahead for Hopoate and the fullback sent Haumole Olakau'atu over on halftime, it was 22-6 and the halfback had made a statement. This was also close to Olakau'atu's best game since March, with a number of powerful runs to go with his passing game on the right edge. He had a second try late to seal the match, leaping up to take a Luke Brooks kick and dive over the line. Hopoate was the other star, setting the tone when he burst through a Payne Haas tackle in the opening set, before finishing the night with 228 metres. Haas was gallant for Brisbane three nights after being man of the match in Origin on a torn quad, but the spark is clearly missing from the Broncos attack. Ezra Mam had his moments, but he still made three errors and was booed by the Brookvale hill with every touch of the ball. Jesse Arthars had limited impact at fullback, as did Selwyn Cobbo on the wing, with the Broncos a long way removed from the team that ran in 50 points in round one.
