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In their son Logan's room, filled with trophies and posters of motocross racing, his parents Rocky and BeLinda Emerson embrace as they talk about the loss of their son in a racing accident .
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Sandy » Saturday wasn't the first time 8-year-old Logan Emerson had misjudged this particular jump on the Rocky Mountain Raceway's motocross circuit.

In fact, Rocky Emerson expected his son to quickly return to the track and continue on to the finish line. But unlike countless nights before, events turned tragic.

"I expected him to come right back out the other side," Emerson said. "It was not that big a deal. He was such a controlled rider."

Logan led the race around 1 a.m. Saturday, a fact that was not usual considering the countless motocross trophies displayed in his bedroom, his parent's bedroom and in the family basement. Whether his wheel hit a rock or a rut, Logan went over a berm and hit a plywood deflection wall.

The child suffered internal injuries and later died at Primary Children's Medical Center.

West Valley City officials did not immediately release information about the accident. But The Salt Lake Tribune continues to pursue the facts using Utah's open records law.

Logan's family said his death sparked an outpouring of support from neighbors, family and friends, as well as e-mails from strangers offering sympathy. Friends bought a flagpole for their lawn where a flag flies at half-staff.

But the Emersons also are shocked and hurt by critics who wonder why an 8-year-old was competing in motocross at 1 a.m. The Emersons point to vitriolic

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comments relating to an online Tribune story reporting Logan's death.

"They're ignorant people," Logan's mother, BeLinda Emerson, said of critics. "But for every bad one there were 10 good ones. I only read a couple [negative comments] and said these aren't worth my time."

Family friend Landen Powell, a 17-year-old professional on the Supercross circuit, said the time the competition was held, which had been pushed back slightly, is not unusual in motocross.

"They [critics] don't understand," Rocky Emerson added. "[Logan] would have told us if he was tired. This wasn't our first go-around. We've been at these Friday night races since he was 4."

Emerson used to ride, but stopped to support his son. He said he didn't need to push Logan, who raced beyond his years.

"When you look in his bedroom, you can see what he loved to do," Emerson said. "We loved his dream with him. He loved it. Kids like that, you don't want to keep him down."

Logan competed in other sports, but chose motocross.

"He was an awesome rider," Powell said. "He was progressing, too. He was winning races against 13- and 14-year-old kids."

The teenager, who competed earlier this year at Rice-Eccles Stadium, also began racing at age 4. He once punctured a lung.

"Injury comes with the sport. You move on, and don't let it hold you back," he said. "[But] this is definitely a shock. He was at the same level I was at that age."

Logan's 15-year-old sister, Tosha Emerson, said the family is dealing with their heartbreak by trying to focus on the good times. "Today is a day we can get through," she said.

BeLinda Emerson is composed until a school bus passes by, reminding her that her son will not walk into the home. Her voice breaks.

But the family that would boat, four-wheel and enjoy the outdoors together will continue to live their lives and love their son.

"You can't protect someone 24 hours a day," Rocky Emerson said. "Keeping them in their bedroom, that's not a way of life. You try to protect them the best you can.

"We're not going to stop. Life will go on, but it will be so hard without him."

martyr@sltrib.com