The entire motorcycling world has been shocked and saddened by the passing of 19-year-old FMX rider Tyrone Gilks last night.

Gilks was practising for his latest long-distance jump world record attempt on a 250 two-stroke at Maitland Showgrounds yesterday morning when he crashed and was taken to John Hunter hospital with severe head and chest injuries.

Despite the surgeons’ best efforts, Tyrone passed away last night.

During his junior career the talented youngster smashed long-distance world records on 65cc, 85cc and 125cc machines and at the age of 12, was the youngest person to backflip a motorcycle.

After some time away from the sport, Tyrone returned to the stage in 2011 with a renewed vigour and unmatched enthusiasm. He progressed rapidly and was widely touted as the brightest young star of Australian FMX, mastering the 360 late last year, then landing the world’s first dirt-to-dirt 360 at the NZ Farm Jam three weeks ago. The 2012 defending champ claimed the Best Trick award for his efforts and finished second at the 2013 event.

Tyrone will always be remembered as one of the true characters of FMX, and a bloke who not only achieved so much, but was also taken from us before the world could really see his true potential. As well as his incredible natural talent on a motorcycle, he had the rare ability to have everyone within earshot in stitches with his wisecracks and zany sense of humour.

Tyrone truly loved his riding and could often be heard singing at the top of his lungs underneath his helmet as he pushed the boundaries of FMX. His passion for random tattoos, Lady Gaga songs and being the life of the party will always be remembered fondly by his family and friends.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gilks family, the close-knit JC Epidemic crew he was a part of, and all his friends during this hard time.

Rest in peace, mate. You will never be forgotten.