Jaiken Bell tragically dies in Yass crash on Yass Valley Way

The death of an 18-year-old Canberra man in a car crash in Yass has sent shockwaves throughout his community as tributes continue to flow the ‘infectious young bloke’.

Tributes are flowing for Flynn man Jaiken Bell after losing his life in a car crash in Yass on January 29, 2023. Picture: Facebook/Sam Turner

Tributes continue to flow for a promising Canberra AFL player who lost his life in a deadly crash in Yass.

Jaiken Bell was found by a member of the public in a single vehicle crash along Yass Valley Way about 9.10am on Sunday after his car was discovered lying in a gully beside the road.

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Emergency services were called but sadly the 18-year-old Flynn man was declared dead at the scene.

In the days since Mr Bell’s death, tributes and memorials have flowed to honour a young man who had so much more to give the world.

Tributes at the scene on Yass Valley Way, Yass. Picture: Sam Turner

Belconnen Magpies president Scott Reid their AFL club was devastated for the 18-year-old’s family after Mr Bell’s death, saying they were “ingrained” in the football club.

“We are devastated for them … it’s been so widespread across the club and we are all really hurting,” Mr Reid said.

The Canberra footy club president said Mr Bell was known to players and coaches as an emerging talent, towering over his opposition.

Mr Reid said those at the club were looking forward to what the next couple of years would bring the 18-year-old who could play in the ruck, up forward and back in defence.

“He was identified as a future senior player, quite versatile … a coach’s dream,” he said.

Jaiken Bell. Picture: Facebook

“Jaiken was just an infectious young bloke as well, he touched a lot of people and was a great person to be a teammate of.”

In the wake of Mr Bell’s death, the Magpies would offer assistance to those in his age group and the younger players of the club, as well as helping the 18-year-old’s family.

On one of the multiple Sherrin footballs left at the scene in Yass, a touching tribute to the talent AFL star can be seen, recalling of the nicknames Mr Bell had.

“Dear Jaiken, Bacon, JBelzy (sic) … Belly … teammate, friend,” it reads.

“Fly high.”

Another tribute was written on sports tape, taped at the tree at the scene of the crash, reading “JB, Forever 18”.

Mr Bell has been remembered on social media as “kind hearted” and inspirational to those close to him.

Tributes left for 18yo Flynn man Jaiken Bell along Yass Valley Way, Yass. Picture: Sam Turner

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“You will always be in my heart forever, thinking of you not being able to spend future moments in my life [and] also the moments I can’t spend in urs (sic) breaks my heart,” one post reads.

“But I will never forget you, especially the things I have learnt from you and all the reasons you meant so much to me.

“Me and the boys will remember you all the days of our lives … love you my brother.”

It’s understood Mr Bell played at the Belconnen Magpies, excelling in the Rising Stars Men’s team in the 2022 season, receiving the Coach’s Award for 2022.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

As inquiries continue, anyone with information into the incident or dashcam footage is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.