Max Knight, 5, dies after Father’s Day bike ride goes horribly wrong

As tributes flow for the young boy killed in a tragic motorbike explosion on Father’s Day, a fundraiser has been launched to support the family.

A family friend of the Murphys Creek boy killed in a tragic motorbike explosion has launched a fundraiser to help lay the “boisterous, energetic” young boy to rest.

Max Knight has been remembered as a fun-loving and adventurous boy who loved riding motorbikes with his father Harley.

Sadly, the five-year-old Murphys Creek boy died from critical burns he suffered when a Father’s Day motorbike ride went horribly wrong.

His grandfather, Tennocy Knight, said Max was riding his Yamaha Peewee 50 bike on their Murphys Creek Road property on Sunday morning.

When Harley went to refill it, a jerry can of fuel ignited, possibly from the hot engine.

Max suffered burns to 90 per cent of his body and was flown to the Queensland Children’s Hospital.

He passed away at 7am on Monday.

“Max was a good little kid,” Tennocy said.

“He lived life to the fullest, like his father.

“It has been a really tough day for us and we are just trying to cope with the loss.

“The hardest thing for us as a family was to sit there beside his bed and do nothing.”

Max John Knight, 5, died in a tragic fire at his Murphys Creek home on Father’s Day. His father, Harley Knight (pictured right) suffered burns to 40 per cent of his body and was placed in an induced coma.

Harley suffered burns to about 40 per cent of his body, on his face, chest and arms, and was transported to the Toowoomba Hospital in a serious condition.

Tennocy said Harley was later flown to the burns unit at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

“The doctors have placed him in a coma and they said they won’t wake him up until maybe Thursday or Friday,” Tennocy said.

“They are letting him stabilise before they operate.

“He does not even know Max has passed away.”

It is understood Harley was having a few weeks of holidays before starting a new job when the incident occurred.

“Harley is a great Dad,” Tennocy said.

“Motorbikes were their life, they loved riding together and they loved fishing too.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the family of Murphy's Creek boy Max Knight, 5, who died on September 4, 2023 in a freak motorbike explosion.

Family friend Tracey Dewes started a GoFundMe campaign on Wednesday, describing Max as a “rough and tumble little boy who was scared of nothing”.

“Max was a boisterous, energetic, young boy who grabbed life by both hands and held on tight,” she said.

“He always had a cheeky grin on his face and was quick to make friends. Max loved to experience new things and would try his hand at anything. Max’s favourite thing in the world though was riding motorbikes with his dad.”

In the campaign Ms Dewes said she was hoping to raise funds to help Max’s parents and grandparents cover funeral expenses, as well as support Harley through his rehabilitation.

“There is nothing more tragic than the loss of a child, especially one as young and as full of life as Max,” she said.

“We are also hoping to help raise funds to assist Harley on his difficult road to recovery and rehabilitation. Harley has a long journey ahead of him, physically and emotionally.”

To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner.