Man killed in weekend horror off-road crash remembered by family

The family of the man killed in a devastating buggy crash has remembered him as “the go to guy bringing everyone together”.

The family of a man killed in a horror crash in Victoria’s west over the weekend have shared a heartbreaking tribute.

Off-road buggy driver Gerry Hoekstra, 46, and his friend Ede Taric, 50, were killed after their Polaris buggy hit a tree during the Rainbow Desert Enduro on Sunday.

Mr Hoekstra, from Upper Beaconsfield, was an experienced driver who had asked his mate, who was a keen recreational buggy driver and motorbike rider, to navigate for him at the last minute.

Ede Taric, 50, was killed in a horror car crash on Sunday. Picture: Supplied

Heading into the second day of racing, the men were sitting mid-pack when trouble struck.

The vehicle swerved off the track and hit a tree, bursting into flames and killing both men.

Mr Taric’s family have released a statement, remembering their loved one as “the go to guy” who unified the family.

Gerry Hoekstra also died in the crash. Picture: Supplied

“Ede poured love on everyone he met. You will be painfully missed, the go to guy bringing everyone together to live life to the fullest and seizing every opportunity to go fast,” the message reads.

“Til we ride again Ede, run a muck up there, we love you.”

Motorsport Australia extends its condolences to the family and friends of the two men.

Motorsports Australia confirmed both men had died on Sunday. Picture: Australian Off Road Championship Facebook Page

Shocked drivers were gathered by race organisers for a debriefing session on Sunday, with the race abandoned shortly after the crash.

The Victorian Sprintcar Association remembered Mr Hoekstra in a statement.

“The VSA committee on behalf of its members are saddened to hear that former fellow competitor the bear Gerry Hoekstra has passed on.

“The big bear who loved a Canadian Club left Deb and his family way too young, doing what he loved, racing.”