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SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. • An 8-year-old boy struck and killed by a truck — driven by a Utah businessman — that crashed during a weekend off-road race in Mexico was the son of a Southern California youth pastor, church officials said.
Pacific Coast Church said spectators Xander Hendriks and his mother, Melissa Hendriks, were hit while standing next to the course during the SCORE Baja 500 race in Ensenada on Saturday. Xander was fatally injured. Melissa Hendriks was hospitalized in stable condition. A third person was also hurt.
Xander was the son of student ministries pastor Brandon Hendriks, the church in San Clemente said in a statement.
"Please commit to praying for Brandon and Melissa during this unspeakably difficult time," officials said.
The truck was driven by Todd Pederson, CEO of the Utah-based home security company Vivint. Pederson says he crashed near the start line when he failed to negotiate a turn.
A report from Ensenada police provided to The Associated Press said a man identified as "Todd N" lost control of his truck while trying to make a turn and crashed into a group of people who were outside the permitted area for spectators. Pederson was released Sunday after questioning by authorities.
The boy was pronounced dead at a hospital, the report said. His mother suffered head and leg injuries. Details on the third victim were not immediately available.
Pedersen said in a statement that he is devastated and his heart goes out to the family.