SUMMARY
- Jayden Archer passed away on February 22 following a failed stunt attempt during practice.
- Archer is the only FMX rider to accomplish a triple-backflip, not once but twice.
Motorsport is undeniably one of the most dangerous and treacherous sports in the entire world, thanks to its reasonably high death rate over the years. The likes of NASCAR, Indy, Formula One, and several other racing championships have lost a lot of precious gems, and quite unfortunately, Motocross is now obliged to bid a painful goodbye to its own hero, Jayden “Jayo” Archer.
Archer was a prominent Motocross rider, famously known for the trick that left the entire world in absolute awe. The Australian pulled off what is called a triple-backflip at the 2022 Nitro World Games in Brisbane, Australia. But, that wasn’t the last time he completed the stunt, as Archer made yet another appearance last year at a Circus Show in Oklahoma and repeated the triple-backflip.
However, his marvelous life came to a premature end in his home town Melbourne, Australia in February 2024. “We are deeply saddened by Jayo Archer’s passing and our thoughts and prayers go out to his parents and fiancée,” Scott Guglielmino, the COO of X-Games, said according to ESPN.
According to reports, Archer was practicing his signature stunt when the unfortunate incident happened, consequently taking the world-famous Australian’s life.
Video: Mourning fans look back at Jayden Archer’s historic triple-backflip
As soon as the distressing news broke out, the entire motorsport community made its way to social media to pay homage to one of the most celebrated stuntmen in Motocross. Several fans reckoned that the community lost a legend. “Freestyle Lost a Legend RIP Jayden Jayo Archer!” the user wrote on X. Another user had a similar view as they paid homage to Archer.
“First ever to do triple backflip. Gone too soon. Stay in peace, Legend.” Take a look at more such reactions including videos of Archer pulling off arguably the greatest trick in the history of freestyle.
Jayo remains the only person to ever complete the triple backflip in a competition setting. pic.twitter.com/Fz2bQbgOXr
— Dexerto (@Dexerto) February 22, 2024
Jayden Archer…. 💔🕊 pic.twitter.com/Ws4L2eRL5I
— Noémie ~ DeathyDescole☮️ (@deathydescole) February 22, 2024
Wow, what a fearless spirit. He lived doing what he loved. RIP Jayden Archer.
— RichQuack (@RichQuack) February 22, 2024
Not only has Archer lost his life at an early age, but, the late-Australian has also left behind his long-time girlfriend, Beth King. The pair had been engaged for over a year now and were planning to get married later this year.
Jayden Archer is survived by his parents and his fiancé
Archer had been living with his family in his home country, Australia. While the 27-year-old decided to keep his parents’ identities in the dark, he wasn’t too keen on offering the same treatment to his girlfriend. Archer was in a serious relationship with Beth King for more than three years.
View this post on Instagram
And what’s heartbreaking is that Archer even proposed to King in November 2022, and the couple had since been preparing for what could have been an extravagant wedding in Australia. Looking back at his proposal, Archer had just made history with the triple backflip and decided to make the day even more special for his girlfriend by handing her the ring.