Donato Bagarozza, of Modbury Heights, killed in Kingsford motorcycle crash near Barossa

The friends and family of a father have been left in shock after the 54-year-old died in a motorcycle crash – amid a tragic spike.

Modbury Heights dad Donato Bagarozza tragically died when his motorcycle crashed at Kingsford last month. Picture: mytributes

A 54-year-old father from Modbury Heights has been remembered by family and friends after dying in a motorcycle crash, in the worst start to the year for motorbike riders in the past five years.

Donato Bagarozza, 54, known affectionately to friends as Donny, crashed his motorcycle on March 28 while riding at Kingsford, near the Barossa.

Despite attempts from emergency services to save Mr Bagarozza, he died at the scene.

Friends said they were “in shock” and “can’t believe it” after finding out about the father’s death.

“Beyond sad bro, already miss you beyond words,” friend Ty Renshaw said on Facebook.

Donato Bagarozza, 54, died in a crash at Kingsford near the Barossa Valley. Picture: 7NEWS“I’ll see you up there buddy.”

Another friend, Craig Boyce, said: “Rip my brother Don. Always be remembered.”

Mr Bagarozza was born in Adelaide in 1972, and had two siblings, Vincenzo and Anthony Bagarozza. He was a father of one to Dustie.

His death was the 28th on South Australian roads in 2026 — the state’s road toll currently sits at 34.

The Modbury Heights father is one of 11 motorcyclists who have died on the state’s roads this year, three of which lost their lives in a horror Easter long weekend.

More than double the number of motorcyclists have been killed in crashes around the state so far this year than at the same time in 2025.

The numbers mark the worst start to the year for motorbike riders in the past five years.

Michael Axford broke the news of his son’s death after 40-year-old Aaron Axford from Para Hills West crashed into a traffic light at Ovingham on Friday.

“It is with deep sorrow and heart that Lorraine and I have to post the most awful news ever, our son Aaron died on Good Friday from a motorcycle accident,” Michael said in a Facebook post.

A close friend of Aaron’s, Luke Mackenzie, also posted a tribute to Facebook, saying the death left a heartache no one could ever heal.

“Shine bright up there mate until we meet again. I love ya brother.”

Two motorcyclists were killed on Saturday afternoon – a 31-year-old man from Nairne and 47-year-old Jarrid Cornwell, from Lockleys – after colliding with each other at Paracombe.

Mr Cornwell, a father of five, was remembered on Sunday with his daughter Carli saying: “You were taken away from me too soon.”

A fundraiser was set up on Sunday to support his grieving widow Erica and children.

“With the sudden loss of Jarrid, there is not only deep emotional pain but also the financial burden that comes with losing a loving partner and provider,” organiser Josephine Grubb wrote.

You can support Jarrid’s family here.