NEWBERRY, Fla. -- A 16-year-old Georgia boy died in a crash during an all-terrain vehicle race at a motocross event, authorities said.
Zachary Griffin, of Palmetto, Ga., was killed Saturday when he missed a jump, fell off his ATV and had another ATV land on top of him, according to his mother. He was competing in the ATVA/ITP/Moose Racing National Motocross Championship at Gatorback Cycle Park near Gainesville.
The boy likely died from traumatic chest injuries, but an autopsy was pending, Alachua County sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Keith Faulk said.
Patricia Griffin said her son was wearing the required helmet and protective gear, which were all intact after the accident.
"He died doing what he loved the most," she said from the family's home outside Atlanta.
An ATV Motocross Web site said the event was the third round of the series.
A racer was airlifted from the track Sunday to the trauma center at Shands at the University of Florida with a possible broken back, authorities said. An 18-year-old racer suffered a concussion Saturday when his ATV flipped three times, authorities said.
Two weeks ago, the acting Waldo Fire and Rescue fire chief died in an ATV crash following an event at the park.
Another sad day for the family of this youngster.
man that is real sad.
i dont know what else to say.
Are there any updates as to exactly what happened here? I have read a few different accounts as to what and how this accident occured.
Teej
it is a sad day when a fellowpasses away! :'( especially when he was so young! my prayers go out to his family!
That is sad :'( My condolances to the family.
Ride on brother, to the track in the sky... :W
http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060326/LOCAL/203260351/1078/news
Its very sad, but he did die what he loved doing, I think thats good but dying that young is not good at all. I heard his idol was John Natalie Jr. RIP