The Australian motocross community is in mourning after the 30-year-old crashed at the top-level championship event.
Motocross rider Joel Evans has tragically passed away following a crash during the elite MX1 race at the ProMX Championship in South Australia on Sunday.
The 30-year-old sustained injuries in a solo-bike accident at Gillman Speedway. Motorcycling Australia (MA) announced that the event was called off as the incident demanded “the complete attention of trackside medical resources.”
Round three of the 2025 Australian ProMX Championship was abandoned on Sunday following a serious incident involving MX1 competitor Joel Evans, who has sadly been confirmed to have lost his life at the Gillman event.
Emergency responders rushed Evans to the hospital, but MA confirmed on Monday that he sadly died on Sunday night.
Evans’ sister, Renae, expressed her heartbreak as tributes from fellow riders poured in on Monday.
“What do you say when there are no words? Yesterday, our lives changed forever,” she wrote.
“I woke up with an unusual sense of presence, as if my heart was reminding me to cherish what I have before it’s gone.
“Just eight hours later, I received the call no one ever wants to get. I could never have imagined that would be the day my little brother took his final breath.
“Joel was doing what he loved and was in one of the happiest periods of his life—but that doesn’t make saying goodbye any easier.
“He used to joke about not wanting to grow old. Now, he never will.”
Evans, who had also competed in Asia, had previously defied the odds after a devastating crash in 2015 that nearly left him paralysed.
Following a week in an induced coma, he had to relearn how to walk—and was back on the bike within a year.
“The best brother a girl could ask for, and an even better uncle to my daughters,” Renae wrote.
“We love you so much, buddy. More than you’ll ever know. Ride in peace, #81.
“And to anyone reading this—hug your loved ones a little tighter today. Never take your time for granted.
“None of us are promised tomorrow.”
Race winner Kyle Webster also paid tribute, saying he was “lost for words.”
“You were a true legend and such a big part of this sport. Rest in peace,” he wrote.
Regan Duffy shared a heartfelt tribute, recalling a light-hearted moment with Joel Evans just before the race. “One minute you’re talking s*** on the line, and the next they’re gone—a situation I truly hoped I’d never face again,” he wrote. “Joel was telling me about his plans to race in America and just seemed so genuinely happy. Rest in peace to a great bloke—until we meet again.”
The motocross community was shaken by Evans’ passing, with many riders expressing their sorrow. Nathan Crawford described it as “an extremely heavy and confusing day for our sport,” and extended his love to Evans’ family and those close to him. Luke Clout echoed that sentiment, saying, “The sport we all love can be so unforgiving. RIP Joel—you loved this sport more than most, and you’ll be deeply missed.” Brandon Steel added, “Still can’t believe this is real. My heart goes out to Joel’s family, his loved ones, and his mates. Ride on up there, mate. Rest in peace.”
The outpouring of tributes reflected not only the impact Evans had as a rider, but the deep bonds formed within the motocross world—where competitors are also a close-knit family.
