MOTOCROSS star Jayden Archer has died at the age of 27 while attempting a dangerous trick.
The Australian rider shot to fame when he became the first motocross biker to land a triple backflip in a competition.
Archer – nicknamed “Jayo” – was attempting the stunt during a training session in Melbourne when it went wrong on Wednesday.
Nitro Circus, an actions sports group, hailed Archer as the “epitome of passion” in a tribute.
It read: “The Nitro Circus family is mourning the loss of Jayo Archer.
“Jayo was the epitome of passion, hard work and determination.
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“He pushed what was possible on a dirt bike to heights never seen before.
“A positive influence to those around him. And above all else, a great human being and friend to us all.”
Archer hit headlines in 2022 when he landed the first-ever freestyle motocross triple backflip during a contest at the Nitro World Games in Brisbane.
As he celebrated, he proposed to his girlfriend Beth King as crowds cheered.
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They were due to marry later this year.
After landing the trick, he said: “I cannot describe this feeling.
“This is so much more than a trick to me. I’ve dedicated my entire life the last three years to this moment.
“There were a lot of obstacles and broken bones and knockouts, and I would do it 100 times over to relive that moment again.”
It is understood he was planning to attempt a world-first quadruple backflip before his death.
Archer performed his first show back in 2012 and went on to win two X Games medals – including one in California last year.
In a tribute on Instragram, Nitro Circus founder Travis Pastrana wrote: ” Thank you for the memories friend.
“Thank you for being such a great human and positive role model for all of us.”
According to official records, two motorbike riders have landed a triple backflip – but not during a competition.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
