9-year-old girl dies in bizarre accident during motocross race on California race track

A nine-year-old girl died Sunday during a motocross race in Lake Elsinore, California. Racetrack officials called the incident a “freak accident.”

Brooke Carlton was on her off-road bike at Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park just before 10 a.m. local time on Sunday morning when she was hit by another young driver on the track, according to several media reports. Brooke was knocked unconscious in the collision and witnesses rushed to her aid until emergency services arrived. From there, paramedics took her to a local hospital in Lake Elsinore. Unfortunately, she did not make it.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Carlton’s death. They also stated that the other driver was treated at the scene and suffered only minor injuries. Now the sheriff’s office and its Lake Elsinore branch are investigating the accident.

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Brooke was an aspiring motocross rider from a young age. GoFundMe The page set up for the family after the terrible tragedy captures her spirited personality, love for her family and dedication to the sport:

“Our hearts are deeply shattered by the sudden and absolutely tragic loss of Jason and Angie’s own Brooke Carlton. To those who knew Brooke, she was an absolute sweetheart who could brighten anyone’s day with her warm smile and head of light blonde curls. To those who REALLY knew Brooke, she was a true beast who knew what she wanted and there was no getting around it. One look at her sparkling eyes and wide smile and she could convince you that the sky was actually pink and purple and that you should ‘buy her an ice cream’ because of it. She loved her parents. She loved her dog Gunner. She loved her grandparents. Most of all, she loved her brother Landon.”

Brooke’s parents Angie And Jason Carlton also released their own statement on the fundraising page, asking supporters to pray for them as they “try to overcome this sudden hurdle in our lives.” Brooke’s grieving parents wrote:

“Yesterday the good Lord called our dear Brooke Lily to heaven after a freak accident at a local motocross track. Our whole family is still trying to understand why our Brookie, but we firmly believe that God needed her and called her home to be with Him. As we use this time to be with our family, PLEASE keep our family in your thoughts and prayers and hold your loved ones a little tighter for us as we try to overcome this sudden hurdle in our lives. We love you always and forever, Brooke Lily”

Very very sad.

Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park also expressed its condolences in a Instagram Article about the tragedy published on Monday:

“Due to all the legal obligations, we have not been allowed to post anything until now. We are truly saddened by the situation. This was such a freak accident, as the parents said. This is not the time to disparage the track, this is a time to think of this little girl and support her family. We are a community and will do our part to support the family as well.”

Our sincere condolences go out to Brooke’s family as they mourn their untimely and unimaginable loss. You can donate yourself via the link HERE on the GoFundMe page.

REST IN PEACE

(Image via Jason Carlton/Facebook)