THE South East motorcycling community is coming to terms with the shock death of outstanding motocross rider Daymon Stokie, 28, in an accident at an Alice Springs event.

The promising young rider attended Naracoorte High School, graduating in 2008, and had settled in Alice Springs.

He was competing in the Deep Well Enduro Race organised by the Alice Springs Motorcycle Club when the tragic accident occurred.

Alice Springs St John Ambulance spokesman Craig Garraway said the accident occurred midafternoon on Saturday.

media_camera Daymon Stokie was the Tatts Finke Desert Race champion in 2017. Photo: EMMA MURRAY

“It appears the rider was racing in the enduro race when he came off his bike,” Mr Garraway said.

“He suffered traumatic injuries and was treated at the scene by the volunteer paramedics.

“The St John Ambulance critical response unit attended the scene but the 28-year-old was declared deceased after he had gone into cardiac arrest.”

Mr Stokie was a respected motocross rider and won the gruelling Finke Desert Race last year — incredibly finishing in triumph despite a broken hand from a previous race.

The off-road, two-day race across the desert runs 226km each way between Alice Springs and the tiny Aboriginal community of Finke, in severe hot and cold conditions.

The Yamaha rider was ecstatic at the victory which gave him the King of the Desert title, saying at the finish line he was ‘super-happy.’

Dakar Rally champion Toby Price said Mr Stokie had gone out on top of his game.

“It’s sometimes the sh*ttest sport in the world with news like this, but in one way you truely (sic) went out on top, winning everything here in Australia and overseas,” Mr Price wrote on social media.

“Many thoughts are with family and friends and we will see you one day mate. Start building some sweet tracks up there and we will shred again.”

A long time member of the South East motor cycle community Adrian Fitzgerald was griefstruck by the news, telling the Sunday Mail many locals would mourn Daymon’s passing.

“All riders are rallying at the moment to give each other support,” he said. “It’s a real setback for the motorcycling community.”

media_camera Daymon Stokie flies across a clay pan at the 2015 Deep Well Enduro. Picture: PHIL WILLIAMS

Others took to social media to pay respect, passing condolences to family and many sombrely noting Daymon ‘was taken by what he loved best.’

Andrew Gillam posted: “Just found out we lost another brother today. Life is so short, it can be taken from us at any second. That’s why it’s so important to live life fully, embrace everything with love and passion. Forget about the small stuff.

“Live every day like it’s your last because it could be.

“I only met him a few times but he was a lovely young man, gone too soon.

“The only positive to take out of something like this is that he went doing what he loved. RIP Daymon Stokie.”

media_camera Daymon Stokie riding in the 2015 Deep Well Enduro Race. PICTURE: Phil Williams

Merryl Spears posted: “Absolutely shocked and saddened by this devastating news. A young and vibrant young man taken way too soon. Deepest sympathy to Melissa and family, my heart breaks for you.”

Ron Lange wrote: “Sad. RIP mate, you were obviously doing what you loved.”

Steve Woolcock echoed the sentiment, saying: “Such sad news, can’t believe it. RIP mate & my deepest condolences for all your family & friends.”

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