Killed Qld motocross rider was about to become a father

The fiancee of a Queensland motocross rider who died in a tragic accident has emotionally revealed a “piece of him lives on”.

Michaela Hurt and Joel Evans. Photo: Instagram

A Queensland motocross rider who was killed in a motorsport event in South Australia was due to become a father in October.

Michaela Hurt, the fiancee of Joel Evans, is due to give birth to the couple’s first child in October.

Sharing a photo of Mr Evans with a pregnancy test and a small pair of socks, Ms Hurt posted on Instagram: “But the hardest of our lives has been made a little easier knowing a piece of you lives on”.

Ms Hurt also posted on Monday: “Yesterday (Sunday) we lost the most incredible person on this earth. The most authentic, loved and kind hearted soul.

Joel Evans and Michaela Hurt. Photo: Instagram

“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.”

The couple became engaged in October 2024 after 11 years together.

Joel Evans was due to become a father in October.

Mr Evans, 30, from Kingaroy was racing at the Mx1 Moto 2 during the 2025 ProMX Championship at Gilman in South Australia on the weekend.

Emergency services were called to Gillman Speedway about 3.20pm on Sunday following the crash, which stopped the competition and required trackside medical resources.

Mr Evans was rushed to hospital with serious injuries but died on Sunday night.

Renae Ferris posted on social media the devastating news that her brother did not survive.

“What do you say when you have no words? Yesterday our lives changed forever,” she said.

“Intuitively I woke up with a deeper calling for presence. My heart’s daily reminder was “appreciate what you have, don’t wait until it’s gone.

“Eight hours later I got the phone call no one wants to hear.”

Joel Evans was from Kingaroy but was racing in South Australia when he died. Photo: Instagram.

Ms Ferris said she loved Joel so much. “I could never have imagined that it was going to be the day that my little brother took his last breath,” she said.

“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.”

Ms Ferris reminded readers to hug their loved ones extra and not to ever take the time they have together for granted.

“The best brother a girl could ask for and an even greater uncle for my girls,” she said.

“Ride. In. Peace #81.”

Western District police in South Australia will prepare a report for the Coroner.

Police are urging anyone who was at the race and may have footage to contact crime stoppers.

Meanwhile, further tributes have poured in for Mr Evans.

MCRP Motorcycle Performance posted condolences to Mr Evans’ family.

Joel has been praised by his sister as the best brother and uncle. Photo: Instagram.

“If we talked about passion for the sport of Motocross in Australia Joel was that guy, he brought the same passion & drive to go racing year after year,” the post said.

“You will be missed by many & forgotten by none, you’re flying high now mate.”

In a statement issued on Sunday, Motorcycling Australia said the South Australian round had been abandoned due to a serious incident.

Queenslander Joel Evans was passionate about motocross. Pic Peter Wallis

“Motorcycling Australia can confirm that round three of the 2025 ProMX Championship at Gillman in South Australia has been abandoned due to a serious incident that occurred this afternoon (Sunday) in MX1 Moto 2, which requires the complete attention of trackside medical resources,” the statement read.
Mr Evans made his debut in the premier Australia championship for motocross in 2011.

In 2015, he suffered a major crash in the fourth round of the Australian MX Nationals at Murray Bridge, South Australia, shattering his C5 vertebrae in a crash that resulted him being placed in an induced coma.

After fears he would never walk again, he made a remarkable comeback, jumping back on his bike in 2016.

In 2019, he recorded a career highlight with a third-place finish in the ProMx round held at Wonthaggi, Victoria.

The following year, the Yamaha rider quit his job to chase his dream of becoming a professional rider.

Mr Evans also competed internationally, taking part in the Indonesian Dirt Bike Championship, while he competed in the Thailand MX Championship, a week before his passing.

Queensland motocross rider Joel Evans. Photo: Instagram.

In a heartbreaking statement Motorcycling Australia said they were deeply saddened by Mr Evan’s passing, a respected racer who left his full-time job to chase his dream.

“Motorcycling Australia and the ProMX Management Team are deeply saddened by the passing of MX1 rider Joel Evans, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a single bike accident during race two of the ProMX Championship at Gillman in South Australia on Sunday, April 27,” the statement said.

“We share the grief and sadness of Joel’s family on a life that was tragically cut short at just 30 years old. He was a partner, sibling, uncle, friend, son and expecting his first child with fiancé, Michaela.

“Our thoughts are with Joel’s family and friends, as well as the wider motocross and motorcycling community.”

The statement said Mr Evans made his debut in 2011 and in 2020 he left his full-time job to chase his dream of being a professional motocross racer,

“He quickly became a well respected rider in the ProMX Championship, never giving up on his passion for the sport despite injuries and setbacks.,” the statement said.

“The bold career move and increased focus on training – all documented in his ‘privateer to pro’ video – was rewarded with some exceptional MX1 performances for the popular rider from Caloundra, including top 10 finishes in two of the last three championships.

“His career highlight was a third place at a 2019 ProMX round in Wonthaggi.

“Joel was a cheerful and magnanimous presence in the ProMX paddock, and away from racing was a keen hiker and enjoyed spending quality time with Michaela and family.

Motorcycling Australia is working with the relevant authorities as the investigation into the incident continues.