While dirt biking offers kids a fun and adventurous way to spend time outdoors, the sport also carries significant risks.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, 15-year-old Amelia Kotze from Australia passed away after crashing her dirt bike during the Central Coast Cup on Saturday, May 25.
7NewsAustralia reported that emergency services were called to the track after the teen received life-threatening injuries in the accident. According to PEOPLE, Kotze was then airlifted to Children’s Hospital at Westmead in Sydney, which was about an hour away, where she fought long and hard in the ICU. Sadly, she was pronounced dead three days later on May 28.
Amelia Kotze was a talented dirt bike rider.
Kotze had competed in multiple dirt biking events, including the New South Wales Junior Track Championships and the Australian Dirt Track Championships. She even earned the title of Motorcycling New South Wales’s Junior Female Rider of the Year at its 2023 ceremony.
Motorcycling New South Wales (NSW) is an Australian sports organization that “is responsible for the administration, development, and promotion of motorcycling in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.”
In a touching statement to remember the motorcyclist, Motorcycling NSW wrote, “Amelia was more than just a rising star in the dirt track world; she was a beacon of talent, determination, and sportsmanship.”
They continued, expressing, “Amelia was a favourite among peers and competitors alike. Her loss is deeply felt across our community, and she will be remembered not only for her incredible achievements on the track but also for the joy and inspiration she brought to all who knew her.”
Kotze’s family also shared a few touching words on a GoFundMe page that was set up after the young teen was airlifted to the hospital.
“Our little champion of the track has finished her race here with us and has gained her wings to now race in heaven. You were such an inspiration to everyone and you will be dearly missed by all..Hold the throttle on babe, Fly high and ride hard beautiful girl. Forever #789 xoxo.”
As of Friday, May 31, the GoFundMe page had received 164 donations, raising over $14,000 AUD (about $9,000 USD) of its original goal of $20,000 AUD.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Amelia Kotze and her family. If you would like to donate, you can visit Amelia Kotze, Champion Of The Track GoFundMe.