‘Forever 27’: Sarina rider killed in Glenella crash was expecting child with partner

The family of a 27-year-old man who died when the motorbike he was riding hit a cow are taking solace that “his spirit will forever live on in the memories we cherish”.

Emergency services including police, paramedics and fire crews were called to the scene at the roundabout linking Sugarshed and Glenella Connection Rds about 1.48am following reports of a serious crash between a motorbike and a cow. Picture: Janessa Ekert

Tributes are pouring in for a 27-year-old motorbike rider who died after crashing into a cow at Glenella, with his family taking solace that “his spirit will forever live on in the memories we cherish”.

The incident occurred overnight Sunday claiming the life of Sarina man Jofarn Tapim, who was expecting a child with his partner.

His death has sent waves of grief throughout his family and friends as they come to terms with their shock loss.

His family have put together a heartfelt tribute as they gather together to remember “our beloved son, brother, uncle, grandson, cousin and father to be”.

“Though he may have been taken from us too soon. His spirit will forever live on in the memories we cherish and the love we shared,” his mother Camara Tapim shared.

“Growing up with siblings was an adventure filled with laughter, mischief and unconditional love. Forever 27.”

Jofarn Tapim died when the motorbike he was riding crashed into a cow at Glenella in the early hours on October 27. Picture supplied by Jofarn's family

His current partner Phoebe Robinson, who is pregnant with his child, shared an emotional tribute about Jofarn, describing him as “my one, my world”, with a collage of photos of them and their unborn baby .

“I love you more than words can describe... no matter the bad days it’s always been me and you together... it will always be me and you foreva (sic) I love you my darling.”

Phoebe Robinson has shared an emotional tribute for her partner Jofarn Tapim, who was killed when the bike he was riding hit a cow at Glenella on October 27, 2024.

Others are posting tributes for their fallen friend on social media.

“My heart is so heavy for you … your gunna (sic) be missed more than you know,” one friend wrote.

“Rest in peace … Forever in my heart. Grateful for the time and memories we made and spent.”

“Love & condolences to your family. You will be sadly missed,” another wrote.

“This is heartbreaking, sending prayers for strength”.

Others posted their farewell saying it was “too soon”.

“We already miss you so, so much. It’s still so hard to comprehend in our minds. Forever in our hearts and never forgotten.”

Emergency services including police, paramedics and fire crews were called to the scene at the roundabout linking Sugarshed and Glenella Connection Rds about 1.48am.

A Queensland Police Service said initial investigations indicated the motorbike had collided with a cow on Sugarshed Rd.

Jofarn Tapim died when the motorbike he was riding crashed into a cow at Glenella in the early hours on October 27.

Jofarn was taken to Mackay Base Hospital in a critical condition, but died a short time later.

Initial investigations indicate the motorbike had been overtaking a vehicle when it struck the cow in the oncoming lane.

It is understood the cow also died as a result of the crash.

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the incident.

Before the collision occurred someone posted on social media about a small cow “on the very dark section of Sugarshed Road” claiming he almost hit the animal.

“It’s a black cow and extremely hard to see … could cause a very serious accident,” the post read.

Police are investigating the incident, which brings the district’s road toll to 19 deaths from 15 crashes for 2024.

Most recently 17-year-old Brianna Day, a Proserpine State High School Year 12 student, was killed just days after obtaining her P-plates, a tragedy that sent shockwaves across the Whitsunday community.

Brianna Day, known as Bree, was just weeks away from celebrating her high school formal when she tragically died in a crash on the Bruce Highway at Myrtlevale. Loved ones left a tribute at the crash site.

The teen driver had been performing a U-turn when her Holden Barina and a semi-trailer collided on the Bruce Highway near the Gunna Go Holiday Park at Myrtlevale about 3.25pm on October 11.

She suffered critical injuries and was flown to Townsville University Hospital where she tragically passed away six days later on October 17.

She will be farewelled by family and friends at a service at Proserpine Showgrounds next week.

Loved ones left a tribute for Bree at the crash site.

Barely one month earlier 22-year-old Mackay girl Wangige Kiumbura lost her life when her BMW burst into flames following a head-on crash on the Bruce Highway, also at Myrtlevale, just after 5pm on September 15.

The fifth year James Cook University medical student had been travelling home from Townsville when police allege a silver Rodeo dual cab ute crossed into the wrong lane and the two vehicles collided.

The 61-year-old Bowen man, who had been driving the ute, was also seriously injured in the crash which blocked the highway until late into the night.

No one has been charged in relation to that crash.

Originally published as ‘Forever 27’: Sarina rider killed in Glenella crash was expecting child with partner