Inquest Begins for Young Motocross Tragedy Death of 10-Year-Old Jack Willson

What led to the tragic death of a talented young motocross rider? The accident that claimed the life of ten-year-old Jack Willson occurred at Digger McEwen Motocross Park in Taupō during April 2023, and it has since raised numerous safety concerns regarding track design and rider preparedness.

Jack, described as a confident and skilled rider, was participating in a motocross event when he encountered a cambered corner that allowed for higher speeds. Witnesses, including his father John Willson, noted that Jack was observed accelerating rather than slowing down before the fatal impact with the ground.

The inquest into Jack’s death commenced on February 4, 2025, in Rotorua, examining the circumstances surrounding the incident and questioning the safety of the track design. Significant changes in the layout, shifting from a flat bend to a cambered corner, had been made prior to the accident, which may have contributed to the heightened risks for young riders.

Concerns regarding the track’s design, which allowed for increased speeds, have been voiced by many, highlighting the need for a balance between technical challenges and safety.

Jack, who had a passion for motocross as well as cricket and rugby, had been trained on his lightweight Yamaha 65CC racing bike. His parents had ensured he was strong enough to handle the bike before allowing him to ride it.

Following the accident, John, a trained first responder, was the first to reach Jack and attempted CPR after removing his helmet. Tragically, despite the efforts of event medics and a St John ambulance, Jack was pronounced dead at the scene.

In the wake of this tragedy, John Willson has advocated for improved safety measures within the motocross community. He emphasized the need for increased distances between tracks and hard obstacles, better equipment checks, and open discussions about safety, hoping that Jack’s name can be used to promote crucial safety campaigns.