The Community of New South Wales is mourning the loss of Jody Ely, a cherished and respected racer of the local sports community.
Jody wasn’t just a racer. He was the life of the pits, a mate who could lift the mood when things were rough, and the quiet fix-it hand everyone relied on when a car or a plan needed sorting.
He raced across Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, but it was the friendships he built that defined him.
He was a driver, crew member, dependable drinking partner, proud bike enthusiast, and, above all, a top individual, according to many.
Sorrow Grief from the Community
The jet sprint community has responded with stunned grief and an endless stream of memories. Belle Ely captured it plainly: “Always the life of the party… my god I miss him.”
Kim Lucas added, “Jody will always be remembered for his big smile, kind heart, and the joy he brought to everyone in the jetsprint family. He made the sport and our time together so much richer. Thinking of his loved ones during this heartbreaking time.”
Hugh Gilchrist summed up the feeling for many: “One of the best blokes I’ve ever met… he had the biggest heart.”
Others echoed that shock and sorrow, “gone way too soon,” “devastating news,” “heart of gold,” short, blunt lines that show how deep the loss runs.
Jody was central to the informal networks that keep a grassroots sport alive: phone calls about setups, late chats after races, sharing contacts overseas, and swapping ideas to keep jetsprinting moving with limited resources.
Jody’s daughter, Tay Ely, also posted a short and sweet message, “forever in my heart,” after the racer’s passing. The family has not yet announced the reason for the death.
He belonged to the “5 in the Raw” puzzle, one of those people who quietly held pieces together so others could do what they loved.
Although life took him in other directions at times, he remained involved in the background, always checking in and contributing.
For many, a Sunday debrief was a routine activity, involving reviewing the run, identifying standouts, pointing out mistakes, and planning for the next meet. “We will miss our regular chats,” one friend said.
That practical, honest companionship is the legacy he leaves behind: a standard of camaraderie that made the sport stronger and forged friendships that run deeper than competition.
To Belle, their children, and every friend and teammate, the community offers its condolences and gratitude.
Messages poured in: “Condolences to you all,” “RIP Jody,” and the persistent refrain from fans and mates, “#33 forever.”
Those words are small, but they’re a promise: his number, his laugh, his kindness, the way he made people feel welcome, none of that will be forgotten.
The post Jody John Ely, a local jet sprint boat racer from New South Wales, passes away unexpectedly, Leaving the Community and Family shocked appeared first on sportstalkline.com.
