Nine-year-old motocross rider is killed in 'freak accident' while racing at track

A nine-year-old girl has died in a 'freak accident' at a motocross track in California.

Just before 10am on June 2, Brooke Carlton collided with another rider while riding her off-road motorbike at the Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park.

Brooke fell unconscious and was given first aid at the scene before emergency services arrived and rushed her to hospital.

Riverside County Sheriff's Office confirmed the young girl tragically passed away after being taken to hospital.

The other rider in the collision was treated for minor injuries at the scene.

Officials from the sheriff's office are now investigating the the incident, along with staff from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff's Station and the Traffic Bureau.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help support Brooke's family after the tragic loss, which has raised over $45,000 at the time of writing.

The fundraiser's organiser, Ally Giles, posted a statement from Brooke's family to the page.

It read: "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.

"While we take this time to be with our family, PLEASE lift our family into your thoughts and prayers, and hold your loved ones a little tighter for us as we try to navigate through this sudden hurdle in our lives. We love you always and forever Brooke Lily. #irideforbrooke."

Ally also paid tribute to Brooke, writing: "She was a total spitfire that knew what she wanted and there was no way of getting around it. One look at her glittering eyes and toothy smile and she could have you convinced that the sky was indeed 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. She loved her brother Landon the most."

Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park has released a statement following the tragedy, saying: "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."

UNILAD has reached out to Riverside County Sheriff's Office for updates on the investigation.