5-year-old's family sues over 2007 motocross death

This is plain crazy. any time youre in a position that puts yourself in danger you are taking a big risk. I would not put my 5 year childs life in this situation no more than Iwould give him a shotgun.

Money heals all.

What were the parents thinking. This child was five years old - should not have been on a dirt bike in the first place and now they have the nerve to sue somebody.

always someone else's fault!

Why would you wait 2 years? Mo' money!

MeMe wrote:

What were the parents thinking. This child was five years old - should not have been on a dirt bike in the first place and now they have the nerve to sue somebody.

Amen! And it's always somebody else's fault too!

Tracy wrote:

always someone else's fault!

They probably waited to have another kid and get him up on wheels. They are already spending money from the current suit and planning on the new kid bringing in their retirement plan

What did they expect? But, the promoter didn't control access to the track, which led to the older kid hitting and killing the five year old. Still, it would seem the parents would have taken notice of any possible safety concerns BEFORE the child was allowed on the track.

Obviously, none of you have ever watched the 4-6 year olds race at a motocross track. When the track rules are enforced, this sport is no more dangerous than football or baseball or riding their bicycles at home or jumping on a trampoline or trusting rides at an amusement park. There is alot of protective gear required before any rider goes on the track. My son has been riding since he was 6 and absolutely loves it. It's a family event. It's the sport of his choice. So don't criticize these parents for "the track" putting all of those children in danger.

motocross mom wrote:

Obviously, none of you have ever watched the 4-6 year olds race at a motocross track. When the track rules are enforced, this sport is no more dangerous than football or baseball or riding their bicycles at home or jumping on a trampoline or trusting rides at an amusement park. There is alot of protective gear required before any rider goes on the track. My son has been riding since he was 6 and absolutely loves it. It's a family event. It's the sport of his choice. So don't criticize these parents for "the track" putting all of those children in danger.

QFT! I have a very good friend who's son rides...He is 7, been riding for almost 3 years now. In another 7 years he is going to be a pro. I see nothing wrong with that.

Sounds as though the parents are feeling a lot of pain and now looking for some releif. I was there when it happened. While this sport has inherint dangers, there are times when common sense just says don't do it. The child involved had NEVER been on a track, never ridden
without training wheels, and should not have been there in these circumstances. The mother had even stated earlier in the day that she wasn't comfortable! Common sense in this sports means not putting your kid in a position your not comfortable with!!!If your not compfortable with the conditions, don't let your child ride! This child should have had much more guidance and training before atending this type of practice.

The "older, more experienced rider" was a novice as well and was no more experiened than the other riders on the track at the time! Yes, he was on a slightly bigger bike, but it was what we consider a "play bike" slower than the smaller "race bikes that were out there at that time as well. I feel he was in the proper class for practice. He didnn't sneak out there as some are led to beleive.

My kid was in the next round of practice awaiting our turn. We have been racing for 9 years and is now 15 years old. The sport as a whole, is one of the best things for our family. I spend every weekend with my child, know where he's at all weekend, and have traveled all over the country with my family, made friend worldwide, and taught the value of hard work and preperation to my son. He has learned good sportsmanship, the value of helping others in the time of need, and has become a better person overall!

I could go on and one.... just realize that this sport is one of the most family oriented activities I've ever beeen involved with. How many children have been killed doing less? It was a freak accident. A trajedy did occur that day, but not because of the promoter or owners of the facility!

motocross mom wrote:

Obviously, none of you have ever watched the 4-6 year olds race at a motocross track. When the track rules are enforced, this sport is no more dangerous than football or baseball or riding their bicycles at home or jumping on a trampoline or trusting rides at an amusement park. There is alot of protective gear required before any rider goes on the track. My son has been riding since he was 6 and absolutely loves it. It's a family event. It's the sport of his choice. So don't criticize these parents for "the track" putting all of those children in danger.

you have lost your f ing mind 5 and 6 yrs old childern only do what the parents let them do they don't know what they are doing can KILL them if they make a misstake you sound like the same kind of people that get pit bull dogs for the family pet you need some one to slap some since into you people like you make me sick

I m from Socastee wrote:

<quoted text>you have lost your f ing mind 5 and 6 yrs old childern only do what the parents let them do they don't know what they are doing can KILL them if they make a misstake you sound like the same kind of people that get pit bull dogs for the family pet you need some one to slap some since into you people like you make me sick

While I don't agree with the english, I certainly embrace the sentiment wholeheartedly.

SouthernMan wrote:

<quoted text> While I don't agree with the english, I certainly embrace the sentiment wholeheartedly.

Thank you

How sad to lose a 5 year old to such a tragic death. How devestating to the family.

How disgusting that the parents would blame anyone but themselves for allowing a 5 year old to ride something that goes that fast.

Why have the parent's not been brought up on charges of child endangerment, stupidity and anything else that could be thrown at them.

They are now going to sue a business owner so that their blame in the whole thing is pushed off on someoone else????

The only wrongful death suit that should be brought are against the parents. What a way to learn that children are not mature enough to know what to do in an emergency situation and especially while trying to ride a powerbike.

What ever happened to five year olds still using training wheels on self pedaling bikes?

motocross mom wrote:

Obviously, none of you have ever watched the 4-6 year olds race at a motocross track. When the track rules are enforced, this sport is no more dangerous than football or baseball or riding their bicycles at home or jumping on a trampoline or trusting rides at an amusement park. There is alot of protective gear required before any rider goes on the track. My son has been riding since he was 6 and absolutely loves it. It's a family event. It's the sport of his choice. So don't criticize these parents for "the track" putting all of those children in danger.

I must disagree with you.

Do you honestly believe that in the event of a sudden situation, that your six year old child is going to be able to think quickly, use common sense, and still handle the bike while speeding around a track? Speed, gas motors, and children do NOT mix. Ever wonder why there used to be an age limit on bumper cars??

I hope you never have to experience losing your child or disabling your child for life, due to your choice of allowing him to motorcross. He may love it, but you may be making a decision that could affect him for the rest of his life.

If this sport was so safe, and so much safety gear is used, just how exactly did a child get killed? Whether or not a child was older and more experienced, the fact remains that accidents are going to occur and 4-16 aren't always going to know how to handle them or protect themselves, thats part of our jobs as parents. Making common sense decisions for them, so they can grow up to reach adulthood with all their devices in tact.

mx dad wrote:

Sounds as though the parents are feeling a lot of pain and now looking for some releif. I was there when it happened. While this sport has inherint dangers, there are times when common sense just says don't do it. The child involved had NEVER been on a track, never ridden
without training wheels, and should not have been there in these circumstances. The mother had even stated earlier in the day that she wasn't comfortable! Common sense in this sports means not putting your kid in a position your not comfortable with!!!If your not compfortable with the conditions, don't let your child ride! This child should have had much more guidance and training before atending this type of practice.
The "older, more experienced rider" was a novice as well and was no more experiened than the other riders on the track at the time! Yes, he was on a slightly bigger bike, but it was what we consider a "play bike" slower than the smaller "race bikes that were out there at that time as well. I feel he was in the proper class for practice. He didnn't sneak out there as some are led to beleive.
My kid was in the next round of practice awaiting our turn. We have been racing for 9 years and is now 15 years old. The sport as a whole, is one of the best things for our family. I spend every weekend with my child, know where he's at all weekend, and have traveled all over the country with my family, made friend worldwide, and taught the value of hard work and preperation to my son. He has learned good sportsmanship, the value of helping others in the time of need, and has become a better person overall!
I could go on and one.... just realize that this sport is one of the most family oriented activities I've ever beeen involved with. How many children have been killed doing less? It was a freak accident. A trajedy did occur that day, but not because of the promoter or owners of the facility!

Common sense would tell me not to let a child younger than 13 get on a motorbike ANYWHERE.
Makes no sense to take a risky chance like that and then blame others when something tragic happens.

There are plenty of other things that can bring a family together and cause them to get out and travel, and many of those things do not require a young child to ride something that even older children with experience can have a hard time controlling.

This is an awful lose for these parents- or any parents. I don't think anyone is questioning that. However, I am confused. Who bought the child the motorcycle? Who allowed him to ride without training or experience? Who drove to this place with motorcycle in tow? I would assume mom & dad to all of those questions. So why are they suing for what they did? They bought it, they let him ride it, and they took him to the track. Suing will not bring him back. Money will not bring him back. This family needs prayer more than anything. The only comfort they will ever receive will be through the love of Christ. I do agree that this sport is no more dangerous than baseball, football, etc.
Parents need to start THINKING- no parents need to start PRAYING about things before they allow their children do them. Why do we want to allow our children to be put in harms way without giving them an advantage through training and education. I wouldn't allow my child to do this without the knowledge behind it. Once again, I am sorry for their lose.

motocross mom wrote:

Obviously, none of you have ever watched the 4-6 year olds race at a motocross track. When the track rules are enforced, this sport is no more dangerous than football or baseball or riding their bicycles at home or jumping on a trampoline or trusting rides at an amusement park. There is alot of protective gear required before any rider goes on the track. My son has been riding since he was 6 and absolutely loves it. It's a family event. It's the sport of his choice. So don't criticize these parents for "the track" putting all of those children in danger.

And you assume all risk involved in your chosen sport. Your kid dies while doing this, too bad. I feel for you but you and you made the decision to allow your kid to take part in this activity so the consequences are not the responsibility of the landowner.

This lawsuit is stupid and unwarranted. Just another example of why we need serious tort reform in this country.

I must say that the person who wrote "your kid dies too bad" obdviously you are not a parent! I am not sure that I agree w/ the lawsuit but being a parent means standing behind your kids 100% in whatever they want to do. I have to say to these parents that I think helping your child to become what he wants to be in life is GR8 & all parents say practice makes perfect & the younger you start them the better they will be, but I guess that only applies to what they call "safe sports"! I had a friend who played basketball & was killed while playing so as with any sport thier is risk involved. I am sure that these parents had all the safety gear that was required on thier child but in this case it wasn't enough. I am a mother of 2 boys 9 & 5 they both have dirt bikes they both want to race pro when they are older & I think it is good for them to have a goal & that my family can be involved in this sport. If you look at McGrath,Charmichlle etc.. I am positive they did not start when they were 20 years old! I would just like to say to the parents of the child I AM EXTREMELY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS & MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU!!!!!