GILLMAN, South Australia — The motocross world is reeling after Joel Evans, a 30-year-old Queensland rider with a grin as wide as his talent, died in a horrific crash during a race at Gillman Speedway on April 27. The Kingaroy native, known for his fearless style and a comeback story that inspired fans across Australia, was competing in the third round of the 2025 ProMX Championship when disaster struck.
Evans, a seasoned pro in the elite MX1 class, lost control in a single-bike accident on the gritty, high-speed track. Emergency crews swarmed the scene, and the race was halted as medics fought to stabilize him. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but despite their efforts, Evans passed away that night. The news hit the tight-knit motocross community like a gut punch, leaving riders, fans, and family grappling with the loss of a man described as both a fierce competitor and a genuine mate.
Born and raised in Kingaroy, Evans was no stranger to adversity. A decade ago, in 2015, he survived a near-paralyzing crash at Murray Bridge that shattered his C5 and C6 vertebrae. Doctors warned he might never ride again, but Evans, stubborn as a Queensland summer, clawed his way back. Within a year, he was tearing up tracks again, even with just 20 percent strength in his left arm. That grit made him a legend, not just in Australia but in Asia, where he’d also competed.
The ProMX Championship, Australia’s premier motocross series, was abandoned for the day after the crash. Motorcycling Australia confirmed the incident required the full focus of trackside medical teams. South Australian Police are now investigating, preparing a report for the coroner, and have called on witnesses with footage to come forward through Crime Stoppers.
Evans’ sister, Renae Ferris, shared the family’s heartbreak in a raw, emotional statement. She called him the best brother and uncle, a man who lit up every room and every track. Fellow rider Regan Duffy, still shaken, recalled joking with Evans moments before the race, unaware it would be their last chat. Tributes poured in from across the sport, with many noting Evans’ plans to race in America, a dream cut short just as he was hitting his prime.
Evans leaves behind his fiancée, Michaela Hurt, and a community that revered him as much for his heart as his handlebars. He was 30 years old.