Roma community mourns Jake Williams as thousands of dollars raised for Motorcycling Australia racesafe medical team

As the South West Queensland community continues to mourn the devastating death of a beloved young motocross star, thousands of dollars have been raised for a cause close to their heart. DETAILS.

Hundreds gathered to celebrate the life of Jake Williams and watch as he made his last ride.

Three weeks after his death rocked the Roma community, hundreds have shown their love and support for Jake Williams’ family and friends, while a fundraiser in his honour has received more than $17,000 in donations.

After the death of the 24-year-old beloved community member, the Roma community banded together in overwhelming displays of support.

Jake’s sister Beth Williams extended a touching tribute on behalf of their family in the wake of the tragedy.

“This has been an incredibly hard couple of weeks for our family and (Jake’s partner) Wendy,” Ms Williams said.

“We are so incredibly grateful for the support and kindness that we have had from so many different communities – particularly the Injune, Roma, motocross and enduro communities.

“Mum, Dad, Owen, Tom, Wendy and I would just like to thank everyone for everything they have done.

“We are just so very grateful.

“I know we are his biological family, but I also know we aren’t the only ones who lost a brother and son on the 4th of July.

“He was so loved and this has rocked so many people. He is very missed.”

Roma is in mourning after the tragic death of beloved motocross champion Jake Williams, 24, after a workplace incident.

Jake’s life was commemorated in a celebration attended by hundreds on Saturday, July 24 at the Roma Gun Club.

At his celebration of life service on Saturday, touching eulogies were read by Jake’s siblings Beth, Owen, and Tom, and by friend Darcy Jones.

To the crowd of hundreds gathered to remember Jake, Owen reflected on the legacy his brother would leave behind.

“He wanted to live and god, he lived,” he said.

“He lived with no regrets, and I’m sure his only regret is leaving us all behind.

“Tell people you love them, don’t waste your time, be kind, smile and work hard.

“Mum and Dad, you raised one hell of a man. I know how grateful Jake was for every opportunity you gave him.

“Jake, you worked hard and loved endlessly and now its time to rest up.”

In her part of the eulogy, Beth reflected of the privilege of having ephemeral moments of Jake’s life captured.

“We are truly grateful to have social media, as we can look back at the photos, videos, texts, snapchats, and voice messages,” she said.

“We can hold onto these reminders of Jake and remember the focused, fun loving and incredibly inspirational young man he was.”

A fundraiser created in Jake Williams' memory has raised $17,217 in less than two weeks.

Tributes were also read by Jake’s partner Wendy and friends.

Managing director of Keatings Funerals, Maria Keating said hundreds of people signed their names on attendance pages at the service.

“There may have been up to 600 in attendance,” Ms Keating said.

She also said the livestream of the service has been viewed more than 1000 times.

“During the service 534 individuals or groups were logged in,” Ms Keating said.

“Since then the number has risen to 1118 viewings.

“The turnout was just as Jake deserved. He was so very loved and respected.”

In place of flowers, Jake Williams’ family asked for donations to the Motorcycling Australia Racesafe Medical team.

Their goal was to raise $1000, but, since July 11, $17,217 has been raised from 186 donations.

As those who held the 24-year-old near and dear learn to cope with his loss, investigations continue into the cause of his death.

A Workplace Health and Safety Queensland spokeswoman said investigations into the incident which caused Jake’s death had been made.

“As a result of those lines of inquiry, information indicates the person was not a worker, therefore the Queensland Police Service are the lead agency for this matter,” the spokeswoman said.

A Queensland Police Service spokesman said police are preparing a report for the coroner.

Originally published as Roma community mourns Jake Williams as thousands of dollars raised for Motorcycling Australia racesafe medical team