Tributes pour in after boy, 8, is killed in horror crash at off-road rally race
TRIBUTES have been paid to an eight-year-old boy killed after an out of control car crashed into a group of spectators.
eight-year-old boy killed at Baja 500
Xander Hendriks, of Orange County, California, was one of three spectators struck by a racing car as it lost control on a bend at the Baja 500 race in Mexico.
Footage from the crash shows multiple people screaming as the car speeds over an embankment towards a large number of fans.
Xander's mother Melissa, 28, was also hit and taken to hospital with multiple injuries but is said to be in a stable condition.
The condition of the third victim is not yet known.
The car sped out of control during the Baja 500
Friends of the Hendriks have set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the family's medical, travel and funeral costs.
A post on the page said: "On June 4, the Hendriks family experienced a tragic loss. There is nothing we can do to bring back our beloved Xander and we celebrate that he is spending eternity with Jesus.
"Melissa suffered injuries requiring advanced medical care and extended observation for head trauma.
"We know that many of you around the world want to support them in this trying time."
The GoFundMe page has attracted over 400 donations raising over $60,000
The page created on June 5 has attracted more than $60,000 (£41,000) in donations.
Score International who operates the race announced that the victims were hit by racer Todd Pederson, of Orem, Utah.
A statement said that Pederson had been "negotiating a turn entering the Ensenada wash and attempting to avoid some fans and eventually hit three spectators".
Mr Peterson, the CEO of home security company Vivint, has issued his own statement following the tragic incident.
He said: "I'm devastated by the tragic accident that happened this weekend.
"My heart goes out to the family at this time."
Two racers also died at the Baja 500 over the weekend in unrelated incidents.
Travis Livingston, 34 of Palmdale, California crashed at mile 288 of the race.
Medical personnel arrived on the scene but Livingston went into cardiac arrest and could not be revived.
Noah Evermann, 34, Alaska was found dead close to his motorcycle near mile 181 by another team.
All three incidents are still being investigated by the Ensenada Municipal Police.