Aussie motocross star, 20, dies on track in freak accident in front of horrified onlookers
- Brayden Erbacher fell coming off a jump during a race
- He suffered a serious head injury and could not be saved
A young motocross star was tragically killed in a freak accident while racing on the track.
Brayden Erbacher, 20, of Ipswich, Queensland, was competing in Wonthaggi, Victoria, at 11am on Sunday when he fell launching a jump and was hit by another rider.
He suffered a serious head injury and was treated on the spot, but the talented young rider could not be saved.
The tragedy unfolded in front of hundreds of horrified spectators and the rest of the day’s ProMX Championship events – involving elite competitors from around the country – were cancelled.
Mr Erbacher’s devastated mother, Corrine, said: ‘Brayden touched the lives of so many and we were so proud to call him our son.
Motocross racer Brayden Erbacher (pictured) tragically died during a race at Wonthaggi, Victoria on Sunday morning
He suffered a serious head injury and was treated on the spot, but the talented young rider could not be saved. In the photo, Mr. Erbacher’s bicycle is removed from the scene
“He was a larrikin and was happiest on his bike, playing the guitar and just hanging out with his family and his friends.
“His passing has left a void that can never be filled,” she said 9News.
Motorcycling Australia cleared the area after canceling the rest of the races and an investigation by Victorian Police and WorkSafe began.
Fellow rider Max Barrass said he had raced Mr Erbacher for many years and that he was ‘always a sincere person who had a lot to give to those around him’.
“He had a bright future for his motocross career. He always came over for a chat to catch up when I saw him around and he was a very down to earth man,” he told the Announce sun.
Mr Barrass added that Mr Erbacher was ‘very determined’ to do well in the sport.
A friend and competitor said Brayden Erbacher (pictured) had “a bright future ahead of him for his motocross career”
Mr Erbacher’s devastated mother, Corrine, said: ‘Brayden (pictured) touched the lives of so many and we were so proud to call him our son’
The young rider’s friends took to social media to remember their mate, one of which said he ‘lit up the room’ with his smile.
“Today we lost an incredible human being. You were an absolute champion,” said friend Adam Middleton. “I love you so much and you will be with us forever.”
Another friend said Mr. Erbacher would be “with me forever.”
“I’m going to miss you so much mate, I’ll never forget you. I will look up to you every day brother,” said Bailey Middleton.