Jayden Archer, the motocross legend who defied gravity, dies in tragic accident
Jayden Archer, the Australian freestyle motocross star who made history by landing the first triple backflip in competition, has passed away at the age of 27. He died on Wednesday while attempting the same daring stunt that earned him fame and glory, during a practice session in Melbourne.
Archer, also known as Jayo, was a two-time X Games medalist and a member of the Nitro Circus crew, a group of extreme sports athletes led by Travis Pastrana. He was widely regarded as one of the most committed and charismatic riders in the sport, pushing the boundaries of what was possible on a dirt bike.
He achieved his greatest feat in November 2022, when he stunned the world by completing a triple backflip at the Nitro World Games in Brisbane, Australia. The trick involved launching off a 15-meter ramp, spinning three times in the air, and landing safely on a 9-meter landing ramp. It was considered the holy grail of freestyle motocross, and only two other riders have ever replicated it.
Archer was not satisfied with his accomplishment, however. He had set his sights on a new challenge: a quadruple backflip. Jayo had been training for months to attempt the world’s most difficult motocross trick, which no one had ever tried before. He was confident that he could pull it off, and he had planned to unveil it later this year.
But fate had other plans. On Wednesday morning, Archer was practicing the triple backflip at a private facility in Melbourne, when something went wrong. According to witnesses, he lost control of his bike in mid-air and crashed hard on the ground. He was rushed to the hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
The news of his death sent shockwaves across the motocross community and beyond. Fans, friends, and fellow riders took to social media to express their grief and pay tribute to the fallen hero. Nitro Circus confirmed his death in an Instagram post, saying: “Jayo was the epitome of passion, hard work & determination. 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. We love you mate. Ride in peace.”
Travis Pastrana, who had mentored Archer since he was a teenager, said he was devastated by the loss of his friend and teammate. “This really hit home,” Pastrana told ESPN. “Jayo grew up in a time when action sports was at its biggest, and he always wanted to do the big stuff like the double and the triple, even though there weren’t a lot of places to showcase those bigger tricks. He’d get up every morning at 4 a.m. and go to the gym before work so he could ride his dirt bike.”
Archer’s legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of his fans and peers, who will remember him as a motocross legend who defied gravity and inspired generations. He was a pioneer, a trailblazer, and a daredevil. He was Jayo Archer, and he will be missed.
