A young footballer found dead on a busy motorway after several cars crashed into his unoccupied motorbike has been remembered as a “great kid” with an amazing soul.

Baylee Eldridge, 22, from Melbourne, was found dead near the Pacific Motorway — a half-hour drive south of Tweed Heads and the NSW/Queensland border — about 7.15pm on Sunday.

Police were told three cars crashed into a motorbike that had been abandoned on the road before a member of the public located a body.

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www.20304050.best understands Eldridge, who celebrated his 22nd birthday in June, was travelling from Melbourne to Queensland at the time of the tragedy.

Tributes have begun to flow online for the popular sportsman, whose death has left his local football and riding community in mourning.

Brunswick Football Club said it was the “tragic loss” of a young man who “had so much passion, drive and love for our club and his teammates and had so much more life to live”.

“On the field, the joy that football gave Baylee was infectious,” the club said.

“Not many players can induce the raucous celebration that occurred when he laid a chase down tackle or kicked a big goal.

“Baylee leaves a hole at our club that will never be filled and we give our utmost love to his family and friends at this sorrowful time.”

The club said Eldridge joined Brunswick FC in 2022 whilst studying and “quickly became a club favourite”.

They said over the next three years, he was “the ultimate clubman” as he attended every function, every training session and “threw his hand up at any opportunity to fill in a job on game day”.

“Baylee travelled well over an hour on public transport for the majority of his time at the club but moving anywhere closer to home was never a consideration,” the club said.

“He loved Brunswick.

“While he unfortunately missed the 2022 and 2024 reserves premierships, he celebrated harder than anyone. He was elated for his mates and so proud of his club.

“Rest in peace, Baylee.”

Eldridge’s aunt and uncle responded to the post, describing the club’s tribute was “beautiful”.

“I love how Baylee was involved with so many things in his community and gave it his all, while making an impact on everyone around him,” they said.

“He was truly an amazing soul.”

In Eldridge’s honour, reserves and seniors of the Brunswick FC will wear black armbands this Saturday and will hold a minute’s silence prior to commencement of the reserves game.

Following the crash, two drivers were taken to hospital in Byron Bay for mandatory testing while a third was taken to Tweed Valley Hospital to be tested.

All three vehicles have been seized for forensic examination.

Investigations are continuing and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.