A HORRIFIC Father's Day tragedy that killed a teenage boy has left the region heartbroken.
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Coolamon's Beau Hilton died after a crash at a motocross event at the Wagga Motorcycle Sports Club at Yarragundry about 12.30pm on Sunday.
The 15-year-old crashed into a tree at the race and despite paramedics' best efforts they were unable to revive him.
Riverina Police District's Superintendent Bob Noble said the loss of a son, brother and friend on Father's Day was going to be hard for the family and will have "a significant impact" on Wagga's motocross community.
Superintendent Noble said there were many people, who witnessed the tragedy, which will be "dreadfully hard" to deal with. He encouraged them to find support not only within their network, but the other services open to them.
"Motor racing is inherently quite dangerous. I know those who compete and the organising bodies will do everything to mitigate that risk, but at some point someone will fall off a motorcycle ... and in most instances that doesn't cause catastrophic outcomes, but in this instance it did," he said.
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"It's going to have a dreadful impact on the motocross community, which is a close tight-knit community."
In a Facebook post, the Wagga Motorcycle Sports Club said it was "lost for words" after the horrific loss and that Beau will be "sadly missed, but not ever forgotten".
"We have lost a piece of our club way too soon, and our heart breaks to know this is not just a bad dream," the post read.
"Beau not only was just a member of our club, but was a bloody hard worker and his family are very involved within the club."
The club's post said the motocross family "always pulls together in hard times" and its thoughts were with Beau's family, friends and loved ones.
A Motorcycling NSW spokesperson said they are "deeply upset by the tragic news" regarding the fatal crash, which took place at the Wagga motorcycling facility.
"We are truly saddened by the loss of this young rider and our thoughts are with his family during this time," the spokesperson said.
"We will continue to offer and provide support to the family, officials and club."
Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the teenager's death and will prepare a report for the coroner.
Superintendent Noble said motocross is a dangerous sport that is subject to regulations, but there was nothing to suggest that reasonable practices were not followed to mitigate the risk in this instance.
"The coroner might want to make recommendations but I cannot preempt that, but you would hope in any such tragic event that you will learn something from it," he said.
"It is my sense that it's just one of those tragic circumstances that can happen with any sporting pursuit."
- If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.