The motocross race day was coming to an end and the teams in the pit area were packing up. There was a storm coming, and this gave urgency to the pack up. The KSI athlete has been left alone temporarily by his pit crew and was battling on his own to pack before the storm hit.

A young man appeared at his side, helping him pack up. It wasn’t asked to help, it just did it. The KSI athlete recognized the young man. It was Joel Evans, one of the most accomplished riders on the track.   Joel raced in the pro class of MX 1 (450cc class).

That’s one of the sport’s strengths – a humility going right to the top of the sport.  You can sense in the pits and on the track, in a sport where the athletes know that at any time someone might ride faster than you; and at any time you might need help from your competitors.

The KSI athlete gave Joel a little thank-you gift before Joel left, the least he could do to say thanks.  That willingness to help is not forgotten.

The KSI athlete, as did many in the MX community, appreciated Joel’s YouTube channel. He was very giving in the content of his videos in which he shared transparently about his journey from privateer to professional, refreshing in an era where social media is more about self-promotion than giving back. His drive to give back to the sport was apparent in all he did for the sport and the riders.

At a race in 2023, I was so impressed with his track speed I filmed some footage of Joel racing, which the KSI athlete shared wth Joel. It’s not usual to hear collective gasps from the spread out audience at an outdoors MX track, but that was what Joel was getting on that day.

On Sunday, 26 April 2025, Joel was fatally injured during a round of the Australian 2025 ProMX series that was being held in South Australia.

Joel’s passing is a great loss for the sport of motocross. The photo above of an empty track was chosen to signify this loss.

However, as always, the loss is greatest for his family.

In the period following the incident, his partner shared in a statement that she was pregnant with their first child.

“Yesterday we lost the most incredible person on this earth,” Michaela wrote.

“The most authentic, loved and kind-hearted soul. He loved and devoted his life to this sport which brought him so much joy and he rode it out right till the end.

“We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support for our beautiful man.

“He is such a loved partner, uncle, brother, friend and son but most proudly a father to our adored little boy who is joining us in October.

“Please share his name, share his legacy, this incredible man deserves to be remembered across the generations. We love you so much Joely.”

A GoFundMe account was established in the days following Joels passing. The goal set was to raise $100,000.  The total is far exceeding that goal, I suggest a reflection of the way Joel lived his life.

I share the words of this account:

“As most of you are aware on Sunday the 27th April we lost the life of our beloved Joely in a tragic accident doing what he loved

Joel was living his dream he had worked so hard for he was racing in Thailand and Australia and was about it to take off on a month holiday with his fiancé to Thailand and America to pursue his dream of racing an AMA national. Before returning home to start setting up for his little son. Joel worked so hard always and more so this year to support his little family. Michaela has a long journey ahead of her as she now prepares to embark on this journey as a single mum.

As those closest to Joel know his one wish was to ensure she was supported in every way possible.

Any donation is kindly appreciated to support her and his beautiful son “Freddy” as they now take on these challenges alone.

We love you Joely and doing everything we know you would want for your son.”

We can leave our lives anyway we want; however, at the time of passing it’s too late to change our legacy. From the support Joel and his family have received in tributes and money, it’s pretty clear that we were not the only ones who noted the way Joel lived his life,

Thanks Joel.  Nothing will replace you however, many are doing their part to make up for this loss with your family in mind.