A teenage motorcycle racer has died after crashing her bike during a competition.
Motorcycling New South Wales (NSW) has announced that Amelia Kotze has died aged 15 after “succumbing to injuries” sustained during one of their events, the Central Coast Cup, on Saturday 25 May.
Australian news site news.com.au reported that emergency services were called to the Allen Park track in Somersby, located about an hour north of Sydney. Kotze suffered life-threatening injuries during the crash, according to a media release and 7 News Australia.
She was taken to Westmead Children’s Hospital in Sydney and placed in intensive care, where she died on Tuesday, May 28.
Photo of 15-year-old Dirt Bike star Amelia Kotza next to her bike.
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Kotze was a rising star in the dirt bike world, having secured the junior state titles in Victoria in November 2023, having previously competed in the NSW Junior Championships and the Australian Dirt Track Championships.
She also earned the prestigious title of Junior Female Rider of the Year by Motorcycling NSW at the awards ceremony last year.
Motorcycling NSW remembers the motorcyclist as “a beacon of talent, determination and sportsmanship.”
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“Amelia was a favorite among peers and competitors alike,” Motorcycling NSW said in a statement. “Her loss is deeply felt throughout 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.”
“At this time of tremendous sadness, our thoughts and prayers are with Amelia’s family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing her,” the company continued. “We express our sincere condolences and support to her loved ones during this difficult time.
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Her family shared on GoFundMe that she was “an absolute inspiration to all who met her and an amazing champion on and off the track.” As of Friday, May 31, the family had raised AUD$14,000 ($9,000) of the AUD$20,000 goal.
“Our little track champion finished her race here with us and got her wings to now race in heaven,” the family wrote in an update. “You were such an inspiration to all and you will be sorely missed by all.. Hold the gas baby, fly high and ride fierce beautiful girl.”
“Forever #789 xoxo,” they concluded the message alongside her race number.
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Source: HIS Education