Slaw
Australian pro motocross rider Joel Evans has sadly passed away following a crash at round three of the Australian ProMX Championship on Sunday in South Australia.
According to MotoOnline, Evans fell in the final MX1 moto of the day, leading to a red flag. He was immediately attended to by the series medical staff. The sports governing body, Motorcycling Australia, canceled the remainder of the race, with the accident requiring “the complete attention of trackside medical resources”.
Evans was rushed to a local hospital with MA later confirming the sad news that he had passed away.
The 30-year-old had gained popularity worldwide through his YouTube and social media channels. In 2015, Evans sustained a serious injury that almost left him paralyzed. He returned within 12 months of the accident and continued to enjoy a successful pro career in Australia and Asia.
Regan Duffy, who also competes in the MX1 class, shared a heartfelt tribute as he recounted a conversation with Evans.
“One minute you’re talking s*** on the line and the next they are gone, a situation I truly hoped I wouldn’t see again,” Duffy wrote. “Joel was telling me of plans to go race in America and just seemed so happy beforehand. Rest in peace to a great bloke, until we meet again.”
Evans’ sister, Renae, wrote the following on social media:
“What do you say when you have no words? Yesterday our lives changed forever,” she wrote. “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 in 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. The best brother a girl could ask for and an even greater uncle for my girls.’”
Our thoughts are with Joel’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Ride in Peace, Joel.
Main image: Facebook
