Brayden Erbacher: Rising motocross star, 20, killed in freak on-track crash in front of horrified parents
WONTHAGGI, VICTORIA: A rising motocross star tragically died in an on-track accident while competing in front of his parents at a championship race. Brayden Erbacher, 20, was competing in round one of the ProMX Championship in Wonthaggi, Victoria about 11 am on Sunday, March 5, when he went flying off his bike before being struck by another rider.
Erbacher suffered a severe head injury and was treated by emergency services but died at the scene as his parents watched on, according to Mercury.com.au. As per reports, the motocross star suffered life-threatening injuries after multiple bikes fell on him while he was still on the ground. The rest of the day's ProMX Championship events were canceled “with immediate effect,” Motorcycling Australia said in a statement.
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Family 'shattered beyond words'
Erbacher’s death has devastated the motocross community. Meanwhile, his mother Corrine said that she and her family are "shattered beyond words." "Brayden touched the lives of so many and we were so proud to call him our son," she told 9News. "He was a larrikin, and was at his happiest on his bike, playing his guitar and just hanging out with his family and his mates. His passing has left a void that can never be filled."
Erbacher’s younger brother Damon Erbacher, who also rides, took to his social media to share a heart-melting tribute for his brother, who was his biggest inspiration. “You were the best big brother and I looked up to you every single day. You guided me through life to this point and for that, I’ll always be grateful,” Damon wrote on Instagram. “I’ll forever be grateful for the time spent with you, you always were my No. 1 role model and the way you carried yourself through life is an inspiration to many … You’ll be missed dearly. You’ll always be my big bro.”
'He died doing what he loved'
Fellow rider Max Barrass, who raced against Erbacher for years, remembered him as "a genuine person who had a lot to give for the people around him." "He had a bright future ahead for his motocross career. He always came up for a chat to catch up when I saw him around and was a very down-to-earth guy," he told the Herald Sun. Erbacher’s uncle Elliot Newman also penned an emotional farewell note for his loving nephew. "He was a gun on the track and died doing what he loved.. You just can’t replace this man. I think God takes the good young so they don’t suffer the world. We are Heartbroken. Big love Brayden forever in our memories xx" Newman said.
Police and WorkSafe Victoria have already launched an investigation into the accident and will soon present a report to the coroner. Following the accident, Manjimup Motor Cycle Club issued a statement urging all participants and spectators at the South West Championship Series first round on Sunday to wear black armbands in honor of Erbacher. “For a sport that can bring great happiness and elation it also comes with times of great heartbreak and sorrow,” the club said.