logo
Devastating pregnancy twist after star's death

Devastating pregnancy twist after star's death

Perth Now28-04-2025

The fiancee of a motocross star killed in a shocking crash at a competition on Sunday has revealed she was pregnant with his child in a heartbreaking social media post.
Joel Evans was injured in a crash while riding in the elite division of a ProMX Championship event at the Gillman Speedway in Adelaide's northern suburbs on Sunday afternoon.
The event was called off and Mr Evans was rushed to hospital, where he died later that day.
Michaela Hurt, Mr Evans' fiancee, revealed her pregnancy in a bittersweet tribute to her late partner, referring to her unborn child as their 'silver lining'.
'Our beautiful Joely … a piece of you lives on,' Ms Hurt wrote in a social media post, referring to the child, due in October.
'Yesterday we lost the most incredible person on this earth.'
'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.' Joel Evans was due to become a father in October, with his fiance Michaela Hurt expecting their child. Instagram Credit: Supplied
Ms Hurt thanked everyone who would keep Mr Evans' memory alive.
'We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support for our beautiful man,' she wrote.
'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.'
The couple were engaged in October of last year.
Although now a single mother, Ms Hurt will be supported by loving friends and family, with Mr Evans' sister vowed to be by her side. Ms Hurt won't raise their child alone as friends and family have vowed to support her. Instagram Credit: Supplied The couple became engaged last year. Instagram Credit: Supplied
'I am lost for words, but I'll try,' Alex wrote in a heartwrenching social media post of her own.
'On Sunday I lost so much more than a brother. You were my best friend, the godfather to my babies, it felt like twins, you were such a piece to my puzzle. My boys were so lucky to have you.
'To our best friend Michaela I wish I could take your heartache and pain. I promise to support, care and love for you and my gorgeous boy coming as best I can. The way Joely would want me to.
'To my family I'm sure people get through this, it will take time for us to navigate that.
'You are supposed to still be here, this was not the way it was meant to be, I don't want to believe it and in this moment I honestly am not sure how to do it without you.'
She said her brother was 'doing what he loved and was in one of the happiest eras of his life'. This comes after Mr Evans died in a crash at a track near Port Adelaide. Instagram Credit: Supplied
Motocross clubs around the world have also shared condolences, as have parents whose children were trained by Mr Evans in his home state of Queensland.
A message has been posted to his official Facebook page, which has 27,000 followers, which said the 30-year-old was expecting to become a father.
'Yesterday we lost the most incredible person on this earth. The most authentic, loved and kind hearted soul,' the message reads.
'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.'
Mr Evans' sister, Renae, said her family had been 'changed forever'.
'What do you say when you have no words? Yesterday our lives changed forever,' she wrote.
Her sibling was the 'best brother a girl could ask for, and an even greater uncle for my girls', she said.
'We love you so much buddy. More than you'll ever understand. Ride. In. Peace #81.
'And for those reading. Hug your loved ones extra today, and please don't ever take your time for granted.
'Tomorrow isn't promised for any of us.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

BBL Draft: Perth Scorchers champion Laurie Evans returns to club alongside David Payne in draft coup
BBL Draft: Perth Scorchers champion Laurie Evans returns to club alongside David Payne in draft coup

West Australian

time2 days ago

  • West Australian

BBL Draft: Perth Scorchers champion Laurie Evans returns to club alongside David Payne in draft coup

Perth Scorchers championship-winner and fan favourite Laurie Evans is returning to the club after he was pinched from them by Melbourne Renegades last season. A year after the Renegades snared the English blaster at the Big Bash League's international player draft, Perth brought him back to the club with pick 17 on Thursday afternoon. Another former Scorcher, English left-arm quick David Payne, will also return to Perth. He was picked up with the very next selection. WATCH THE BIG BASH LEAGUE AND WOMEN'S BIG BASH LEAGUE DRAFTS ON 7PLUS The Scorchers used pick four to add Finn Allen to their list for the second year of his contract and then passed in the gold round before taking Evans as a silver player. Evans — who has played 25 matches and scored 653 runs for the Scorchers across the 2021-22 and 2023-24 seasons — was not retained by the Renegades, who instead took Pakistani wicket-keeper Muhammad Rizwan and Hassan Khan. The 37-year-old has strong relationships with senior Scorchers players and staff, including captain Ashton Turner. 'We're incredibly excited to have Laurie back, we missed him last year,' coach Adam Voges said. 'He is a crowd favourite in Perth and performed wonderfully well for us in his time there, so very excited. 'You see with both our picks, with Laurie and with David Payne, both have been with us before, have experienced the success we've had previously and hopefully they can come back and play their roles again and see how we go.' Pakistani white-ball weapon Shaheen Shah Afridi was taken by Brisbane Heat with the first pick in the draft. Payne has played six games for the Scorchers, including the qualifier victory against Sydney Sixers which sent Perth through to a home final against Brisbane Heat in 2023. He played 10 games for Adelaide Strikers in 2023-24, but didn't play at all in last summer's tournament. The one-time England international bolsters a pace attack that lost Jason Behrendorff in the off-season. Payne is a new-ball option, who can also bowl key death overs. It is now likely the Scorchers will use their final remaining domestic list spot on a spinner. Reigning Laurie Sawle medallist Corey Rocchiccioli, who has previously played for both Melbourne franchises, will become a frontrunner for that role, while Willetton spinner Luke Holt could also be considered. The Strikers took Luke Wood with pick two to bolster their pace stocks, while Sam Curran landed at Sydney Sixers with their first-round pick. Teams shied away from picking players who could be in the England squad for the Ashes and neither Jofra Archer or James Anderson were picked up.

'It's Tom's time' - Maroons move on from Cherry-Evans
'It's Tom's time' - Maroons move on from Cherry-Evans

The Advertiser

time2 days ago

  • The Advertiser

'It's Tom's time' - Maroons move on from Cherry-Evans

Billy Slater has declared it's Tom Dearden's time to own Queensland's No.7 jersey, after the new Maroons' halfback vindicated the call to move on from Daly Cherry-Evans. Slater's selection bombshell to axe Cherry-Evans from the Maroons' side after the 18-6 game-one loss at Suncorp Stadium was always going to be one the coach was judged on. The decision to move on from Cherry-Evans marked the first time Queensland had dropped a first-choice halfback for a live rubber since 2001, and the first time a captain was dropped mid-series this century. But the gamble paid dividends at a wet and slippery Optus Stadium on Wednesday night, with Dearden providing a steady hand in his first go in the No.7 jersey. The North Queensland halfback played crucial roles in three of the Maroons' four first-half tries, before they held on as their 26-6 lead shrunk into a 26-24 victory. Cherry-Evans has captained the most games of any Queenslander this century, but Slater said the time was right for a changing of the guard. "You won't get a negative word out of me for Daly Cherry-Evans," Slater said. "He's a wonderful player, and has been a wonderful player for a long period of time. "It's Tom's time now. And he didn't surprise any of us, I don't think, in what he put out there tonight. "I'm really proud of him. That's the first time he's worn the number seven jersey for Queensland. I wouldn't imagine it'd be the last." Dearden dug into the line for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow's first try, before he kicked across field for the winger's second moments later. But the new No.7's best play came later in the first half, when he went to the left, created numbers and gave Kurt Mann the chance to offload for a Kurt Capewell try. There were issues in defence down his right edge in the second half as NSW fought back, but he was never bullied by the Blues and neither did they run over the top of him. Slater's other big selection gamble in recalling Capewell also proved a winner, with the Warriors second-rower providing Queensland with vital grit to go with his try. Capewell is the unenviable leader for missed tackles this NRL season - 75 from 13 games - but that didn't faze Slater at all. "There was a bit of talk about the number of missed tackles on his stat sheet. I actually didn't know that until I read it in the paper," Slater said. "It probably goes to show that I don't look at numbers. "When I look at habits in players, I look at their actions and how they contribute to their footy team and he has done an amazing job. "There's a reason why the Warriors are doing well, because they've got players like Kurt Capewell in their team. "That's what successful footy teams look like - they've got hard working players that are willing to put everything into the footy team. "His selection might have surprised a few, but it wasn't that out of the blue for me." Billy Slater has declared it's Tom Dearden's time to own Queensland's No.7 jersey, after the new Maroons' halfback vindicated the call to move on from Daly Cherry-Evans. Slater's selection bombshell to axe Cherry-Evans from the Maroons' side after the 18-6 game-one loss at Suncorp Stadium was always going to be one the coach was judged on. The decision to move on from Cherry-Evans marked the first time Queensland had dropped a first-choice halfback for a live rubber since 2001, and the first time a captain was dropped mid-series this century. But the gamble paid dividends at a wet and slippery Optus Stadium on Wednesday night, with Dearden providing a steady hand in his first go in the No.7 jersey. The North Queensland halfback played crucial roles in three of the Maroons' four first-half tries, before they held on as their 26-6 lead shrunk into a 26-24 victory. Cherry-Evans has captained the most games of any Queenslander this century, but Slater said the time was right for a changing of the guard. "You won't get a negative word out of me for Daly Cherry-Evans," Slater said. "He's a wonderful player, and has been a wonderful player for a long period of time. "It's Tom's time now. And he didn't surprise any of us, I don't think, in what he put out there tonight. "I'm really proud of him. That's the first time he's worn the number seven jersey for Queensland. I wouldn't imagine it'd be the last." Dearden dug into the line for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow's first try, before he kicked across field for the winger's second moments later. But the new No.7's best play came later in the first half, when he went to the left, created numbers and gave Kurt Mann the chance to offload for a Kurt Capewell try. There were issues in defence down his right edge in the second half as NSW fought back, but he was never bullied by the Blues and neither did they run over the top of him. Slater's other big selection gamble in recalling Capewell also proved a winner, with the Warriors second-rower providing Queensland with vital grit to go with his try. Capewell is the unenviable leader for missed tackles this NRL season - 75 from 13 games - but that didn't faze Slater at all. "There was a bit of talk about the number of missed tackles on his stat sheet. I actually didn't know that until I read it in the paper," Slater said. "It probably goes to show that I don't look at numbers. "When I look at habits in players, I look at their actions and how they contribute to their footy team and he has done an amazing job. "There's a reason why the Warriors are doing well, because they've got players like Kurt Capewell in their team. "That's what successful footy teams look like - they've got hard working players that are willing to put everything into the footy team. "His selection might have surprised a few, but it wasn't that out of the blue for me." Billy Slater has declared it's Tom Dearden's time to own Queensland's No.7 jersey, after the new Maroons' halfback vindicated the call to move on from Daly Cherry-Evans. Slater's selection bombshell to axe Cherry-Evans from the Maroons' side after the 18-6 game-one loss at Suncorp Stadium was always going to be one the coach was judged on. The decision to move on from Cherry-Evans marked the first time Queensland had dropped a first-choice halfback for a live rubber since 2001, and the first time a captain was dropped mid-series this century. But the gamble paid dividends at a wet and slippery Optus Stadium on Wednesday night, with Dearden providing a steady hand in his first go in the No.7 jersey. The North Queensland halfback played crucial roles in three of the Maroons' four first-half tries, before they held on as their 26-6 lead shrunk into a 26-24 victory. Cherry-Evans has captained the most games of any Queenslander this century, but Slater said the time was right for a changing of the guard. "You won't get a negative word out of me for Daly Cherry-Evans," Slater said. "He's a wonderful player, and has been a wonderful player for a long period of time. "It's Tom's time now. And he didn't surprise any of us, I don't think, in what he put out there tonight. "I'm really proud of him. That's the first time he's worn the number seven jersey for Queensland. I wouldn't imagine it'd be the last." Dearden dug into the line for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow's first try, before he kicked across field for the winger's second moments later. But the new No.7's best play came later in the first half, when he went to the left, created numbers and gave Kurt Mann the chance to offload for a Kurt Capewell try. There were issues in defence down his right edge in the second half as NSW fought back, but he was never bullied by the Blues and neither did they run over the top of him. Slater's other big selection gamble in recalling Capewell also proved a winner, with the Warriors second-rower providing Queensland with vital grit to go with his try. Capewell is the unenviable leader for missed tackles this NRL season - 75 from 13 games - but that didn't faze Slater at all. "There was a bit of talk about the number of missed tackles on his stat sheet. I actually didn't know that until I read it in the paper," Slater said. "It probably goes to show that I don't look at numbers. "When I look at habits in players, I look at their actions and how they contribute to their footy team and he has done an amazing job. "There's a reason why the Warriors are doing well, because they've got players like Kurt Capewell in their team. "That's what successful footy teams look like - they've got hard working players that are willing to put everything into the footy team. "His selection might have surprised a few, but it wasn't that out of the blue for me."

Big Bash League draft: Aaron Finch predicts Laurie Evans will be on the table for Perth Scorchers at draft
Big Bash League draft: Aaron Finch predicts Laurie Evans will be on the table for Perth Scorchers at draft

West Australian

time2 days ago

  • West Australian

Big Bash League draft: Aaron Finch predicts Laurie Evans will be on the table for Perth Scorchers at draft

Former Australian Twenty20 captain Aaron Finch says Perth Scorchers will be in the game for championship-winner Laurie Evans at Thursday afternoon's Big Bash League draft. The Melbourne Renegades legend — who will host the draft for Channel 7 — does not expect his former side will fight to retain Evans and believes he is still the perfect fit for the Scorchers. Evans was pinched by the Renegades at last year's draft with pick three and the club still has retention rights to him. WATCH THE BBL AND WBBL DRAFTS LIVE AND FREE ON 7PLUS ON THURSDAY 'I'm not convinced that the Renegades will look to retain him, to be honest,' Finch told The West Australian. 'I don't think there will be too much fight there from the Renegades. He didn't have the greatest year last year. 'When you're not bringing a bowling skill to the table as well as (being) a middle-order player, I think your numbers have to be very consistent. I think the Scorchers would be an obvious fit there.' Finch said a batter that is already familiar with the tricky Optus Stadium wicket would be attractive to the Scorchers. Evans also has strong relationships with senior players and staff at Perth and was a fan favourite in his two seasons at the club. 'He has played there before and done well and it is such a unique place to play, particularly for international players,' he said. 'So to target someone who you have had before, who you know can handle the conditions and play well there. 'It's obviously a high-pressure environment too, Perth. They're pretty passionate fans and they can jump off-board pretty quick as well. 'Just somebody who has been there and done it would be really attractive and no doubt he would be very high on the Scorchers list.' In an interview with The West on Tuesday, Scorchers coach Adam Voges said they would 'absolutely' look at bringing Evans back to Perth if he was still on the table for them. The Scorchers have pick four, 16 and 17 in the international player draft. They will use pick four to add Finn Allen to their list for a second season. They have hinted they could target spin late in the draft in a rare play, given both Ashton Agar and Cooper Connolly are left-arm finger spinners. Finch said it is vital to have variation in a spin attack, particularly on the east coast. He also forecast it would come in handy if the Scorchers were to play a final away from home. 'I think it's crucial to have that option in your squad, because you can't just tailor your side towards your home conditions, particularly when they are as extreme as they are at Optus,' Finch said. 'I still don't think it will be a high priority for the Scorchers, I think they will have a look and see in the last two rounds to see if they can find potentially a mystery spinner — every team wants one of those. 'You have to take all conditions into account. If you finish outside the top two you are playing away finals. You would expect to play one in either Melbourne or Sydney and you would have to have a really well-rounded squad.' The Scorchers also have retention rights to English quick Tymal Mills. It is believed they are interested in bringing the crafty bowler back to the club for the first time since 2022. They also have retention rights to English trio Keaton Jennings, Matthew Hurst and dual-citizen Stevie Eskinazi, but are less likely to consider a batting option outside of Evans. Pakistani superstar Shaheen Shah Afridi is widely tipped to land at Brisbane Heat with the first pick in the draft. The world-class left-armer has availability for a full-season. Finch said the Heat could form a bowling attack reminiscent of the Scorchers' in their hay-day if they take Afridi. That would also include Australian internationals Spencer Johnson, Xavier Bartlett and Michael Neser. 'You are weighing up whether Bartlett will be around the Test squad — he is a very, very good bowler — he has been around the Australian setup for quite a while,' Finch said. 'I'd still be very surprised if he doesn't go No.1 and the availability for the whole competition is huge. That's why Babar Azam was such a big get for the Sydney Sixers as well, because they are available the whole time. 'We have seen over a long period of time, teams with the best bowling attack go a long way to winning titles. Perth for years, when you had (Jason) Behrendorff, (Jhye) Richardson, (Andrew) Tye, Matty Kelly, combined with Agar, that was a formidable attack, particularly at home. 'There's no surprise that teams are looking to that bowling department to strengthen it. The old saying is 'batters sell memberships, bowlers win premierships' and that rings true.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store