Organiser of 2024 Mystery Ride David Boyles killed in a tragic freak accident, four riders suffer horrific injuries
A popular annual motorcycling event has taken a tragic turn with one dead and four others suffering horrific injuries. Tributes are flowing for organiser David Boyles who “went out doing what he loved”.
Newcastle
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A motorcyclist first on scene moments after five riders hit an oil slick causing them to be violently thrown from their motorbikes, has described it as something “out of a horror movie”.
Just a minute behind the leading group in the annual Mystery Ride which left from Kurri Kurri on the morning of November 1, Allan James was not prepared for what he would see.
The group of more than 70 riders were travelling along Nowendoc Rd at Niangala, near Gloucester, to their first destination of Inverell at around 12.30pm before tragedy struck.
Wombat remains were strewn across the road after being hit by a vehicle, resulting in an oil slick left behind.
“As I came to the scene it was just carnage, bike parts, clothing items out of saddle bags down the road, only one bike on the road, the rest were down in this gully,” Mr James said.
“It would have been a domino effect.”
He stopped, got off his bike before his eyes transfixed on his best mate.
It was David Boyles, the organiser of the popular ride since 2015 and well loved electrician and businessman from Kurri Kurri.
But sadly there was nothing he could do.
“I ran to him tried to render first aid but it was just too late,” Mr James said.
“I couldn’t help me mate Dave.”
His attention then turned to other riders who had been hurt, “moaning in agony”, but still alive.
One of them was his nephew Kieran Mcalister as he rushed to his side to keep him alive before help arrived.
Other riders Glenn Thompson, also known as “Chubb”, Sam James who travels from Cowra each year to attend and Peter Graeber, known as “Grub”, all sustained horrific injuries and were taken to John Hunter Hospital.
There was a lot of broken bones between the four men, who Mr James said were in “good spirits” as they navigate the long road to recovery.
Mr James said he had known Mr Boyles for about 30 years after striking up a friendship through the Cessnock mini bike club and working together to resurrect the riding event many years ago.
He said he was a devoted family man and a seasoned rider who planned everything to a tee.
“He has touched all of us in some way shape or form and left an everlasting mark, just one of those kind guys,” he said.
“Just shell shocked for his family. Devastated for them.
“Dave had everything organised, the accommodation, meal stops, lunch stops, fuel stops pre-organised before we get there, towns know we are coming, service stations know they are going to have an influx of bike around a certain time.
“Bands organised at the destinations at the pubs for entertainment, really well run event.”
Mr Boyle’s wife Rhonda posted a touching tribute to her husband on Facebook following the tragedy.
“It is with broken hearts that Jack, Reece, Megan and I need to let everyone know that we have lost a devoted and wonderful father and cherished husband,” it wrote.
“He went out doing what he loved. He leaves a huge hole in our family.”
Mr Graeber’s family also took to social media to thank the community for their support.
“We have been overwhelmed with the amount of support we have gotten and wanted to give everyone an update on Pete’s condition,” it read.
“As a result from the accident he has a bunch of broken bones including his back, neck, wrist, shoulder blade, collarbone, ribs, eye socket and bruised lungs.
“He has a long road ahead but we have faith that the big man can handle it.
“Sadly Pete wasn’t the only one involved in the accident and in result, lost a very dear friend. Him and his family have been in our thoughts and prayers, along with the other boys who are also in the hospital with injuries.”
Mr James has started a GoFundMe page to help the families of the five men with the cost of a funeral and the time off work to recover.
“All these men have families whom they support and will be unable to return to work for an extensive period of time,” he said.
“Any amount big or small will help these guys and their families significantly with everyday bills and living costs until they’re all back on their feet fully and back at work.
“All funds that are donated will be evenly split between families involved.”
As of Tuesday afternoon more than $28,000 had been raised.
To donate to the GoFundMe page CLICK HERE.
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