Motorsports Park Closes After 'Freak Accident' Kills 9-Year-Old Girl

Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park, a popular destination for motocross enthusiasts in Southern California , announced its indefinite closure this week as it faces a lawsuit following a tragic accident that claimed the life of a 9-year-old girl.

Brooke Carlton died in June following what was described as a "freak accident" as reported by ABC News . Carlton was "at a track designated for off-road vehicles riding an electric motorbike and was struck by another child who was also riding an off-road motorbike," the Riverside County Sheriff's Office said.

Whilst the other child was treated at the scene for minor injuries, Brooke had life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital where she later died.

In a statement posted to Instagram on Saturday, Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park expressed "great sadness" about the closure but declined to comment on the specifics of the ongoing litigation.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the closing of LEMX," the statement read. "Due to a lawsuit from a tragic accident that occurred in June the property owner has terminated our agreement as they are being brought into it as well. It was their decision it would be in their best interest to have the track closed. I can't say as I blame them. All in all they have been very good to deal with as has the City of Lake Elsinore. While there has been many challenges along the way we have enjoyed operating the track very much."

The statement concluded: "It is my opinion that we were very lucky to have such a terrific group of customers as well as such fine people working at the track. It has been an honor and a pleasure to see you all at the track."

Newsweek has contacted the park via social media outside of normal working hours on Monday for additional comment.

In a GoFundMe page set up in honor of Carlton following the accident, her family said: "Thank you to the MX and jet ski community for how you have rallied in support of us and of Brooke. Thank you for coming together in so many ways. Thank you to our friends and family who have been by our side daily as we walk in this."

They added: "We are so blessed to have such an amazing group of friends, family, and an amazing church that pour into us exactly what we need, when we need. We don't understand why this happened, but we trust and feel God walking with us as we navigate this."

The fund has so fair raised a little over $85,000 for the grieving family among 1,200 donations.

A further tribute made by girl's family on the fundraising page the day after the accident said: "Yesterday the good Lord called our dear Brooke Lily to heaven after a freak accident at a local motocross track. Our entire 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."

After the accident in June, the park also posted a tribute to Carlton on Instagram which said, "Due to all legal obligations, we were not allowed to post until now. We are truly sad about the situation. This was such a freak accident as the parent said. This is not a time to bash the track but a time to remember this little girl and support her family. We are a community and we will do our part in supporting the family as well. May you rest in peace Brooke!"

Meanwhile, full details of the litigation have not yet been released. The park's closure has left some local motocross enthusiasts shocked, as it was one of the major off-road facilities in the region. The park had been a popular hub for riders of all ages, hosting various events and attracting visitors from across California and beyond.