Each of us at The Watercraft Journal send our condolences and support to Tyron Motzouris’ family and friends after his passing last week. In a short, but heart-wrenching post on Friday, Dustin Motzouris let the PWC world know of his brother’s passing after a 2-year battle for recovery from injuries received in a PWC crash during World Finals at Lake Havasu City.
I will always love and miss you. Fly high Tyron Motzouris. Till we meet again.
A post from Tyron’s wife, Dominique Motzouris, followed shortly after, stating:
It has taken our family a while to process all that has happened over the last week. Tyron unfortunately got sick over a week ago and it was not something that he could overcome.
Our precious Ty’s fought such a hard fight over the last almost two years, he had been through so much and was so strong through it all!
Yesterday God welcomed Ty’s home and he will not suffer anymore.
Our hearts are broken, there will never be any words to describe what Ty’s and our whole family has been through over these last two years. We are so thankful to have had this extra time with him and the opportunity to care for him at home until his final days.
Ty’s we love you so much, more than words can ever say, life has changed for us all and we will never stop missing you! You had the most pure soul and left a mark on this earth. I will always be so grateful for the amazing 16 years I had to spend with you and you have given me the best gift in life and that is our two girls Madison and Willow.
Your time with us will always feel too short and we may never understand it. We promise to make you proud, your legacy will always live on through your girls and we will see you again.
Some say that the true testament to a life well-lived, is the memories you leave behind, and as WCJ began to reach out to those in the PWC community to collect some of those memories, the PWC family was a step ahead of us, and tributes to, and memories of Tyron began to flood social media, portraying so much better than we ever could, the place Tyron held as a racer, as an innovator, as a friend and as a family member.
Three quotes come immediately to mind when remembering Tyron’s interactions with those of us here at WCJ, and when reading the messages and memories being posted from all across the world by those inside and outside of the PWC family.
Writer Shannon Adler stated, “Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched in the minds of others and the memories they share about you,” and it is abundantly clear that Tyron carved his name in the hearts of so many, and left memories that will be a part of the PWC culture forever.
Dolly Parton wrote, “If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are an excellent leader.” It is equally clear, from watching Tyron’s interactions with his brother, and with young racers throughout the last decade that I have been involved in the sport, that included in Tyron’s legacy is his place as a leader, both in and out of the PWC community.
And lastly, from Maya Angelou, “If you’re going to live, leave a legacy. Leave a mark on the world that can’t be erased.” You definitely did that, Tyron.
From Stephen Whitaker
I feel like I had the privilege of watching you grow up Tyron Motzouris. From the tubby, smiley little boy always giggling, fishing rod in hand, friendly demeanour and his bud Keegan Beattie in tow most often at the Yacht club/ boat garage and fishing with his Dad Peter Motzouris on the boat. I’ll never forget the little voice and always so respectful.
I watched you grow as Dustin Motzouris and I carried on with riding and training and soon you joined us.
I watched you grow from a tubby little chap into a strapping, strong young man and then into one of the best athletes in the sport of world jet ski racing while overcoming multiple obstacles with your health. You helped run Z-Craft and were there for your mom Marilyn Motzouris your brother Dustin and the rest of the family when your Dad passed. Your commitment to your family and the family business was unwavering.
You and Dust then started your own thing building the best race skis in the world. You most certainly left your mark as the two brothers revolutionized the jet ski racing world.
You married Dominique Motzouris and started the most beautiful family and just grew from strength to strength. Your girls loved you and you treated them like absolute Gold, you loved Dom with all your heart, they were the apple of your eye.
You moved to the states and joined Dust and Mandy Hyman Motzouris . You were one of the best brothers, uncles and brother in laws anyone could ever ask for and your nieces loved uncle Ty’s! Your brother Dustin finally had his best friend by his side again and you two did it all together, built and designed skis, trained together and grew from strength to strength. A force to be reckoned with.
Watching the tributes pour in over the past few days has been both heartsore and heart warming. You’ve left a legacy behind and the respect people all over the world have for you is just a testament to the special person you are. You will always be remembered for the smile, laugh and genuine care and respect you had for anyone you crossed paths with.
It’s devastating that you are no longer with us anymore but I’m glad you are finally at peace. Your family tried so hard to fix you and they exhausted every possible thing they could as they loved you so much.
Thank you for your friendship and the lessons you left us all with Ty’s. The world is a better place because of you.
RIP Ty’s till we meet again brother.
From the South African National Jet Ski Racing series
The SAJSBA would like to honour an amazing sportsman, an even better person, a good friend, a son, a brother, and a loving husband and father. Tyron Motzouris played a big part in the SAJSBA family for many years. He was kind, humble, considerate and loyal. He will be sorely missed.
To the Motzouris family: Our deepest condolences go out to you all during this difficult time. The strength you have all shown over the past two years has been immense. During your time of grief may you find comfort in his memory.
Fly high Tyron, until we all meet again.
From Heidi Leitch
In honour of a true gentleman and awesome human… Rest peacefully Tyron Motzouris, u took me under ur wing and taught me my holeshot starts when I was the only girl racing stand ups with the boys… ur kindness and determination will live on in all our hearts forever… my deepest condolences to ur beautiful family.
From Clinton Gauld
Tyron Motzouris, you will really be missed . You were an asset to this world and human kind. I know this is a terrible time for Marilyn Motzouris, Dustin, Motzouris, Vanessa Taylor, Mandy Hyman Motzouris, Dominique Motzouris,Tyron’s Children and all other family . When I read all the peoples in the worlds condolences for Tyron , it just shows how many peoples lives he made an impact on. Tyron proved that the good people are still noticed and remembered. As Tyron’s family I think you can be extremely proud of what an impact he has made on so many.
From Richard Robert Sparks
T-Nutz… So lucky to have known you and had a few years of being your friend. You’re driven nature and humbleness will always be an inspiration. My memories of you will always be cherished and held close to my heart my bru. Rest in peace buddy..!!!!
From Deven Farthing
RIP Tyron Motzouris. It feels like yesterday that you guys dropped off my new hull and we were training at body beach. Thank you for everything you and Dustin Motzouris have done for me and the sport as a whole. All the things you have done for me and taught me will never be forgotten. You will be missed.
From Sally Cathrine Ensor -Smith
Our condolences to the Motzouris family , rest in peace Tyron Motzouris, fly high , always a legend to many We bought my Kawasaki standup from the Motzouris brothers many years ago, and they both gave me their time teaching me how to race that machine with lots of laughter and happy times on the water in SA. May GOD now have Tyrone racing jet skis in heaven, doing what he always loved.
From Mark Gomez
The Motz family fights for what they believe in. In this case it’s their family, our beloved Tyron has passed after fighting for so long. May you rest in peace, we are all so proud of you for the impact you have had on and off the race course. I will sincerely miss you and will be cheering your legacy on watching your brother Dustin continue to carry your passion through the business and supporting the family.
From Jackson Jay Rod
Rest in Peace Tyron Motzouris 08/29/2024. I wish you would have been able to recover from your injuries 2 years ago and we’d all be watching you and your brother train and prepare for finals. But here I am writing this post. You finally left us, mind and body. Your spirit lives on in all the lives you’ve touched. There’s a version of us that lives in the minds of those that have known us. So in a way you’re still here, all the best parts and the best times. Carry on in spirit and continue to be the ball of positivity you were in life in spirit, guiding your friends, and most importantly your family as they go through this trying time.
From Ronnie Parker
Every time I ride, and watch a GP1R race, I will thank Tyron for his incredible contributions to our sport. He was an innovator, inspiration, and a friend to all. God Speed!
From Kole Cramer
Rest In peace to a good friend, As I sit here and look at these amazing photos and awesome times we had I can’t ever forget about them. The amount of laps we’ve spun at body beach. The amount of races we battled. The amount of times we lined up next to each other. The amount of laughs and good times. The amount of times talking on the phone figuring out if this worked good or that worked good. Tyron, thank you for everything, thank you for believing in me and most of all thank you for all the support and drive you have given me. RIP my friend.
From David Zipperian
Such a loss for words right now….. Nobody is supposed to die doing this sport…… Tyrone long before you message me long before we became friends you motivated me…. I’m so sorry…… My friend Joseph is going to make up some stickers….. .. Rip Tyron Motzouris Forever strong #2za….. The rest of my season is dedicated to you my friend….. I will Give them the horns the best I can….. Say hi to Nedra for me. See you on the other side of The checkers…
And in a message to WCJ from Sam Nehme:
Everyone here at Broward Motorsports is saddened to hear about the loss of Tyron Motzouris. Our hearts pour out to his family and loved ones left behind. Life is not always fair, but God always has a plan. Ty impacted the sport of jet ski racing in so many ways. He has left a mark on a sport and industry that he loved so much. His accomplishments both on and off the track were equally impressive. First and foremost, he built an amazing family but also went on to build an industry-changing business along with a long list of racing accolades. Ty will be missed by all but remembered forever. RIP my friend.
