‘Wings in heaven’: 15-year-old girl dies after motorcycle race crash

A 15-year-old girl has died in hospital after being seriously injured in a motorcycle race held in regional NSW.

A 15-year-old motorcycle racer has died after a horror crash during an event.

Amelia Kotze died in hospital after she was badly injured during a race in the Central Coast Cup on May 25.

Motorcycling New South Wales confirmed in a statement that Ms Kotze had died, describing her as a “rising star in the dirt track world”.

Emergency services were called to the Allen Park track in Somersby near Gosford at 2pm on Saturday and she was flown to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in Sydney with life-threatening injuries.

She was treated in the intensive care unit but died on Tuesday, May 28.

A 14-year-old boy was also injured in the crash, although not seriously.

Amelia Kotze died after crashing during a race. Picture: _ak789_/Instagram

Amelia Kotze had a “relentless passion for racing”. Picture: Instagram/ameliakotzeracing

“She was a beacon of talent, determination, and sportsmanship. Her impressive achievements spoke volumes about her dedication to the sport,” Motorcycling New South Wales stated.

The young rider had success winning Victoria’s Junior Girls State Titles in November as well as the NSW Junior Track Championships last year — and she also competed in the Australian Dirt Track Championships.

The student at Belmont Christian College in Lake Macquarie was awarded the title of Junior Female Rider of the Year last year.

Amelia Kotze had a passion for racing. Picture: Instagram / ameliakotzeracing

Amelia Kotze died in The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, three days after the crash. Picture: Instagram / ameliakotzeracing

A GoFundMe has raised more than $14,000 to support the family.

Before she died, the organiser wrote: “Amelia is a 15 year old young lady who is an absolute inspiration to all that meet her, and an astounding champion on and off the track.

“Amelia needs our support, let’s come together and help her family with any costs for medical, accommodation for her family to be there with her and/or any unexpected costs that may arise through this tough time.

“I’m asking for all who can help support Amelia and her family please do so, no matter how big or small every dollar helps in this very heartbreaking time.”

Following her death, the page was updated to state: “Our little champion of the track has finished her race here with us and has gained her wings to now race in heaven.

“You were such an inspiration to everyone and you will be dearly missed by all. Hold the throttle on babe, Fly high and ride hard beautiful girl. Forever #789 xoxo,” it continued, paying tribute to her race number.

Friends and family paid tribute to the young woman on social media.

“Keep riding our little pocket rocket. We are so blessed to have you in our lives and part of our family. Our hearts are shattered and you will be forever loved,” one wrote.

“Our thoughts are with everyone in the racing community and Amelia’s family on the devastating loss off a beautiful young woman. Rip Amelia,” another wrote.