A talented 17 year old from Corfe Castle in Dorset, who lost his life while racing at the British Motocross Championship in Scotland, has been described by his father as a “really, really good kid” and his “best friend”.
Jude Morris, who was studying at Bournemouth and Poole College, died from his injuries after his motorbike crashed in a race on Saturday 28th August 2021.
The rest of the races at the Duns Motocross track in Scotland were cancelled after the accident.
Brought up in Corfe Castle
Jude was brought up in Corfe Castle and attended Corfe Castle Primary School and later The Purbeck School. He first rode a bike at the age of five when his parents bought him an Oset children’s electric bike.
His father says he used to ride it everywhere, then as he got older they would go and watch enduro racing together, when riders would race for eight or nine hours a day.
He entered his first race at Bere Regis when he was nine years old. From there his passion grew and he just got better and better. He ended up training across Europe in Holland, Spain and Belgium and was on the brink of being able to enter adult competitions.
“As a son, Jude was amazing”
Jude’s father, Mark Morris said:
“As a son, Jude was amazing – he worked so hard to be at the top of his profession. It wasn’t just working on his training, fitness and mental ability but also the things that people didn’t see, like getting his own bike ready, washing it and doing all his own maintenance.
“He was a really, really good kid and I know that everyone says that about their children but he really was.
“What we’ve found out in the last two days, is just how much he inspired others. We’ve had lots of messages from others saying how Jude really took time to answer their questions about the sport and how he was a real role model. We’re really, really proud.
“He had no time for anything else because he was so disciplined – he was either cycling, training on his bike or doing his homework.
“Of course, I didn’t want him to die on the track but as so many people have said to me, he was a racer. I’m heartbroken that our journey has ended but what we had – we did everything together – it was brilliant. He was my best friend.”
Potential to be a future adult British champion
The organisation for motorcycle sport, the ACU said that Jude was one of the leading youth riders within the UK and had the potential to be a future adult British champion.
It’s understood that at the time of the incident, Jude was second in the MXY2 Series. No other riders were involved in the incident and medics were on scene as quickly as possible to give assistance.
“Jude was always smiling”
Race director and chairman of the ACU Motocross Committee, Steve McCauley said:
“An incredibly sad day for everyone. Jude was always smiling and lived for competing in Motocross.
“An extremely talented young lad, he was one of the most dedicated and hard-working young riders I have ever had the pleasure to meet. At this very sad time our thoughts are with Jude’s parents Mark and Lucy and their family.”
“Jude and his dad were a great team”
A fellow competitor, Simon Aky Atkinson posted on social media:
“A good friend and competitor Jude Morris took a big fall today. I’m absolutely devastated to be saying this but he has not recovered from his injuries. Jude and his dad were a great team. I have admired their partnership for years now. The hard work they did and steps forward they took were amazing. RIP 101. We will always remember our racing time.”
“Devastating time for everyone”
The event organisers RHL Activities issued a statement:
“RHL Activities are saddened to confirm the passing of Jude Morris following an incident at Duns.
“This is a devastating time for everyone and our thoughts are with the family at this time.
“After seeing Mark and Lucy this morning they have asked us to pass on their thanks for all the kind words of support during this sad time and for all those who assisted yesterday at Duns.”
“Our deepest sympathy goes to Jude’s family and friends“
The off-road motorcycle sport newspaper, TMX added:
“Jude, who was in excellent form and had won at MXN’s Cusses Gorse the week prior, was in a closely-fought title contest with Alfie Jones for British Open honours and the popular rider from Corfe Castle in Dorset had already won six motos and two overalls before the Duns round.
“TMX is saddened to learn of the tragic death of Jude and our deepest sympathy goes to Jude’s family and friends.”
Tribute to Jude
Jude’s family has set up a fund in his memory, with all money going to the charity Air Ambulances UK, who support the air ambulance service, saving lives on a daily basis. Donations may be made online
