Motocross community honours Joel Evans with massive fundraiser support

The motocross community has come together to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the partner and unborn son of a loved rider after his tragic crash death.

The motocross community has rallied behind a beloved South Burnett racer and coach, Joel Evans, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support his long-time partner and their unborn son in the wake of his tragic and sudden passing. Picture: Instagram

The motocross community has rallied behind a beloved South Burnett racer and coach, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support his long-time partner and their unborn son in the wake of his tragic and sudden passing.

Joel Evans, 30, from Kingaroy, tragically died on April 27 after a serious accident in the 2025 ProMX Championship at Gilman in South Australia.

In the seven days since the GoFundMe started, close to $300,000 had been raised to support Mr Evans’ “little family”.

At the time of publishing, more than two thousand people had donated to the fundraiser, with dozens giving thousands each.

In a newsletter sent to their customers last week, UNIT Clothing, which sponsored Mr Evans and worked with him for several years, announced it would be donating a significant portion of online sales collected on Thursday, May 1, to the fundraiser.

A talented and driven South Burnett motocross racer who was about to become a father has been remember as a “genuine, all round good person” who radiated positivity. Picture: Instagram

“To some he was a competitor, to many a mentor. To all a mate. A true family man. And recently engaged, ready to welcome a son to the world with his partner in October,” the newsletter read.

“To ease some of the financial burden of his passing we will be donating 25% of all online store revenue on Thursday May 1 to his GoFundMe appeal.

“If you are in a position to contribute it would be greatly appreciated. Every little bit counts, and can help to make a brighter future for his little family.”

UNIT Clothing donated more than $14,000 to the GoFundMe.

His fiance, Michaela Hurt, told the Adelaide Advertiser the family was so grateful for the “absolute outpouring of support” they had received from the community.

“All Joel ever wanted was to chase his dreams and take care of his little family and he is getting the chance to do that through all of you,” she said.

“It means the world to us and I know it would to him.”

Joel Evans was due to become a father in October 2025, with his fiance Michaela Hurt expecting their child. Picture: Instagram

Ms Hurt, posted a heartbreaking message on Mr Evans’ Facebook page just days after his passing where she revealed they were expecting a baby boy in October.

“Yesterday we lost the most incredible person on this earth. The most authentic, loved and kind hearted soul,” she wrote.

“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.

“Please share his name, share his legacy, this incredible man deserves to be remembered across the generations.”

Joel Evans and Michaela Hurt become engaged in October 2024 and had been together for more than a decade. Photo: Instagram

Thousands of people from around the world have flocked to social media to post messages of support for the beloved Kingaroy man’s family and friends, and to share what Mr Evans meant to them.

“We did not just lose a team member, we lost a very good friend, one you can call family,” Team Goodboy Philippines wrote.

“Some of my best memories (are of) racing in the middle of nowhere in Indo with Joel. I’ll always remember his funny personality and kind heart,” Lewis Stewart shared.

Mr Evans was known for pouring his heart into the sport he loved, always finding ways to give back, and he touched the lives of many young aspiring racers through his coaching.

“Joel had a huge heart for sharing his knowledge and experiences with everyone and many keen junior racers loved chatting with Joel and watching his races and videos,” Russell Schirmer from the Rockhampton Motocross Club said.

“Thank you for all your coaching and support you gave Connor and Riley. You always talked to them in the pits at racing events,” one Queensland racing family shared.

Joel Evans (pictured here in 2016) suffered a serious accident during a different race in South Australia that left him temporarily paralysed. Photo credit: Peter Wallis

He was a role model for others in the sport, with a strong work ethic and a positive attitude that stayed with those he came into contact with.

“So lucky to pit next to Joel for the last time at the weekend,” Greg O’Bree shared.

“And to have an amazing talk about everything, life and racing, on Saturday. What an amazing lad who loved everything in his life, including his Dad who never missed an Aussie and his beautiful fiance.”

“I had the pleasure of meeting Joel about a (year) ago. Same guy on his YouTube channel – what you see is what you get,” Shad Booker said.

“Joel was not only a talented and passionate rider, but he was also deeply loved and respected by many of our riders across Asia,” President of FIM Asia Stephan Macky Carapiet said.

“We considered him a part of our motocross family, and his spirit, kindness, and camaraderie left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”

In 2015, Mr Evans suffered a serious crash that broke the C5 and C6 vertebrae in his spinal cord in an accident during the 2015 MX Nationals at Murray Bridge in South Australia.

The accident left him in a coma and doctors thought he would never walk again, however he was determined to get back to the sport he loved and was back in the seat within a year.

Mr Evans had a thriving online presence, which helped him attract and maintain a loyal fan base from around the world.

He shared his life as a motocross athlete with his 20,000 followers on Instagram, posting workout and training content, race updates and coaching videos.

He also had a popular motocross YouTube channel, with more than 17,000 subscribers and almost two million views, and posted a video just three days before the fatal accident.

In the video, he spoke about the challenges of riding the Appin track due to the depth and soil conditions, and what work he and his team did to make sure his bike was in top shape.

After a few races that didn’t quite go his way, the last race of the round left the 30-year-old in good spirits.

“I rode good and I fought hard,” he said.

“That almost felt like I got my potential.

“That’s all I ever want is just ride like me.

“I so wanted to give up – I was tired, just that intensity.

“But like, no, just hold on. Just throw up in your helmet, it’s all good.”

Joel Evans was due to become a father in October.

Mr Evans’ funeral will be held at Kingaroy Town Hall on Wednesday May 14, at 1pm for “family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by Joel”.

It will be followed by a wake at in the hall’s supper room.

A private invite-only burial service for Mr Evan’s “nearest and dearest” will be held on Thursday, May 15.

Virgo Funerals said “in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Joel’s GoFundMe to support his fiancee Michaela in raising their son”.

Originally published as Motocross community honours Joel Evans with massive fundraiser support