Queensland rider Joel Evans who died at Gillman farewelled at public funeral

Family and friends of a Queensland motocross rider who died in a crash at Gillman have said their goodbyes to their “generous Joely” during an emotional service.

A Queensland motocross star who died after a crash at a motocross event at Gillman in April has been farewelled at a public “celebration of life” on Wednesday afternoon.

Hundreds gathered at the Kingaroy Town Hall to say goodbye to their friend Joel with his number 81 riding guernsey proudly displayed on the lectern.

In an emotional tribute, Joel’s “life partner” Michaela, who will give birth to their child in October, shared their love story.

“This honestly just doesn’t feel real and if I think about it too much, it breaks my heart,” she said.

“It was so normal for Joel to be away for weeks at a time and it feels like he’s just still away racing and I will get to see him again soon.”

The couple had been together for 12 years, with Michaela speaking of her love’s generous nature as a “provider”.

“We woke up and chose each other everyday and we grew together,” Michaela said.

“He was never one to settle, and living a stock-standard life was never on the cards for us.”

Joel Evans was due to become a father in October.

Michaela Hurt and Joel Evans. Photo: Instagram

The expecting-mother said 30-year-old Joel was so excited to be a dad and that he was “living his dreams” both on and off the racetrack.

“We decided to bring bub along now so we could bring him along for the adventures and because we were so stoked on life and that was the life we wanted to bring baby into,” Michaela said.

The motocross legend’s partner revealed that they had managed to save some of Joel’s “swimmers” before he passed, providing her with the option to coninue to grow their family in the future.

“It breaks my heart because he was going to be such a good dad … he was so patient and so kind and no doubt going to be the fun one out of the two of us.”

“To Joely, the hardest thing is that with everything that has happened these past couple of weeks, I just want to tell you all about it,” she said.

“You are my person, my best friend … I love you forever.”

Michaela Hurt and Joel Evans. Photo: Instagram

Joel’s sister, Renae, delivered the eulogy, remembering her brother as “not a morning person” but an incredibly dedicated motocross rider who had been riding since he was five-years-old.

“He lived his life full throttle,” she said.

She spoke of his journey through the sport as he became a professional competitor and had overcome injury to continue pursuing his passion even when he was not making money off of it.

“He didn’t care to be rich, he just wanted enough money to ride his dirt bike,” Renae said.

“His drive and commitment to do whatever it takes is a testament to who he was.”

Throughout his motocross journey, Joel documented the process on YouTube with these videos now being a special memento for his family to watch.

Renae spoke of her brother’s caring nature as he worked hard to support his growing family with baby Freddy arriving later this year.

“We are so, so, so blessed to (have Freddy),” Renae said.

“Our Freddy can follow his dad’s journey on YouTube including the van build, the travels, the adventures, the racing and the beautiful love story that unfolded between his parents.”

Queensland motocross rider Joel Evans, 30, died after a tragic accident at the Mx1 Moto 2 during the 2025 ProMX Championship at Gilman in South Australia. Photo: Instagram/John Prutti

Joel’s mother, Maree Evans echoed her daughter’s words speaking of how proud she was of her late son, who was a wonderful role model for his siblings, best mate to his friends and the “sweetest grandson” to his grandparents.

“Joel was more than motocross to me, he was so much more, he was my baby boy,” she said.

“He is a part of me that I can never get back.”

The mum-of-four said Joel was his toughest critic when it came to his sport and was “always on the side of the underdog”.

“Joel made everybody around him just want to be a better person,” she said.

“My heart breaks for you mate, I feel like your best years were just about to begin.

“I really wish that we could have seen the sparkle in your face when you held Freddy for the first time.”

Joel Evans died in a motocross accident on April 27.

Maree said the family will get matching tattoos to commemorate the loss of their beloved “Joely”.

The floor was opened for attendees to share their memories of Joel with many coming forward to bid their mate farewell before a touching video of Joel’s best moments was played.

In lieu of flowers, Joel’s family have asked attendees for donations to a GoFundMe to support his fiancee raise their soon-to-be-born son.

Originally published as Queensland rider Joel Evans who died at Gillman farewelled at public funeral