Motocross rider Brayden Erbacher, 20, killed in national championships tragedy

A young motocross rider was killed mid-competition at the sport’s national championships this weekend when he came off his bike with his parents in the crowd.

Brayden Erbacher, 20, was competing in round one of the ProMX Championship in Victoria on Sunday morning when he went flying off his bike during the race.

He sustained a severe head injury and was treated by emergency services and medical teams, but died at the scene as his parents watched on.

Motorcycling Australia called off the event “with immediate effect” and sent hundreds of spectators home. It’s understood that multiple bikes fell on Erbacher while he was on the ground.

Tributes flooded in for the young star, who was remembered by family and friends as a kind-hearted larrikin — including in a devastating post from his younger brother Damon Erbacher, who also rides.

“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,” the younger Erbacher said 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.”

Erbacher’s mother Corinne, who was at Sunday’s race, said she was “shattered beyond words”.

“On behalf of the family we would like to thank the whole motocross community for their support today while our whole world fell apart,” she said in a statement to Channel 9.

“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 uncle Elliot Newman said on Facebook his nephew “died doing what he loved”.

“He was a beautiful young man and very loved by all … You just can’t replace this man,” Newman said.

Best friend James Beston and many other riders penned an emotional farewell to their friend. “To my best mate forever, they say no one is perfect but you were pretty bloody close to it,” he said.

“You would give your own shirt off your back for anyone and always do whatever you could to help a mate out.

“Although you aren’t with us any more your infectious smile and dorky laugh will live on with us forever. Words can’t describe the pain of you being taken away from us but ‘til we meet again I’ll be thinking about you every day, love you brother thanks for everything.”

Friend Kane Martin said: “You’re a mate everyone dreams of having and it’s so surreal you’re actually gone and I won’t ever see you again. I’ll treasure every memory we had forever and never forget about the things we did.”

“The last time I saw you, you told me that I was going to be great out there, when I didn’t believe in myself. Then you blew me a kiss, as the usual thing we do. I will never forget our final moment together,” another rider and friend Kobe Drew said.

The young rider’s death has thrown the extreme sport community into a whirlwind, as Police and WorkSafe Victoria announced they are investigating the incident.

The event was “cancelled with immediate effect,” Motorcycling Australia said in a statement, “due to a serious incident”.

“While the incident is being investigated, there will be no further comment at this time. A statement will be made in due course.”

Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

Manjimup Motor Cycle Club issued a statement asking all competitors and attendees at the first round of the South West Championship Series next Sunday to wear black armbands in Erbacher’s memory.

“For a sport that can bring great happiness and elation it also comes with times of great heart break and sorrow,” the club said.