Brayden Erbacher’s sudden death has left the Wonthaggi motocross community stunned, with family, friends and fans in mourning over the loss of an up-and-coming young rider.
Police and WorkSafe Victoria are investigating the incident and Motorcycling Australia called off the event and sent hundreds of competitors and spectators home.
The promising 20-year-old was reportedly competing at the Rosebud Motocross track in Victoria when he crashed heavily in a freak accident after doing a jump in Wonthaggi . Despite the best efforts of emergency services, Brayden was unable to be resuscitated, and tragically passed away at the scene.
News of the accident has spread quickly, with tributes pouring in on social media from across the country. Fellow riders and members of the motocross community have expressed their condolences and shared their memories of Brayden, who was known for his love of the sport and his outgoing personality.
His mother Corinne, issued a statement to Nine News on behalf of the family which paid a loving tribute.
“We are shattered beyond words,” she told Nine News.
“On behalf of the family, we would like to thank the whole motocross community for their support today while our whole world fell apart.
“Brayden touched the lives of so many, and we were so proud to call him our son.
“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.”
Fellow rider and friend James Beston paid a loving tribute to Erbacher in an Instagram post on Sunday night.
“To my best mate forever, they say no one is perfect but you were pretty bloody close to it,” Beston wrote.
“You would give your own shirt off your back for anyone and always do whatever you could to help a mate out. You tried your best at everything you did and you always made everyone laugh even if it wasn’t funny, you had a way to make us smile.
“Although you aren’t with us anymore your infectious smile and dorky laugh will live on with us forever.”
Motorcycling Australia confirmed the event had been called off via a statement on Facebook on Sunday where they also said WorkSafe Victoria were notified.
“(We) announce that due to a serious incident, round one of the ProMX Championship at Wonthaggi in Victoria has been cancelled with immediate effect,” the statement said.
“While the incident is being investigated, there will be no further comment at this time.”
According to reports, Brayden was a highly skilled rider who had been competing in motocross since the age of four. He had recently been signed by a professional team and was seen as one of the rising stars in Australian motocross.
Aside from his motocross career, Brayden was also a dedicated student and a beloved family member. He is survived by his parents, his sister, and a large extended family.
In a statement released to the media, the Erbacher family expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support they have received during this difficult time.
“We are devastated by the loss of our son and brother Brayden. He was a talented rider and a loving, kind-hearted young man who brought joy to all who knew him. We are grateful for the many messages of love and support we have received from the motocross community and beyond. We ask for your understanding and privacy as we come to terms with our loss.”
The motocross community has also been quick to pay tribute to Brayden, with events planned in his honour at motocross tracks around the country. A fundraising campaign has also been set up to support the Erbacher family during this difficult time.
Brayden Erbacher’s untimely death is a tragic loss for the Wonthaggi motocross community and for Australian motocross as a whole. He will be remembered as a talented young rider with a bright future ahead of him, and his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched.
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