Child dies after motocross accident in Crawford County, deputies investigating

A child died after a motocross race in Lizella on Saturday, according to the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office.

Twelve-year-old Dalton Hill was severely injured while “participating in a race” around 10:30 a.m. at Echeconnee MX, Georgia’s oldest running dirt track, at 5070 Marshall Mill Road, deputies said in a news release.

Community Ambulance Service reported the incident to the sheriff’s office and took him to Atrium Navicent Health Macon, where he was pronounced dead by hospital staff.

Hill’s family and friends organized a GoFundMe with a $45,000 goal “in loving memory” of Hill and to assist his parents.

“As they face these circumstances, please help them as they lay their son to rest,” the fundraiser said. “Our love and prayers go out to ... the Ethridge/Hill family during this time.”

Echeconnee MX posted a photo of Hill in motocross gear on a bike on Facebook Monday morning.

“We are deeply heartbroken by the passing of a member of our Motocross family, Dalton Hill, at this weekend’s race,” the post said. “Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with Hill’s family and friends. Please wrap your arms around the Hill family and everyone affected by this tragic accident.”

Echeconnee MX didn’t immediately respond to calls or emails Monday. The dirt track’s website shows that a competition called Kings Cup occurred Saturday, which hosted riders from across the U.S.

The incident was still under investigation Monday afternoon. The sheriff’s office declined to share other details with The Telegraph.

This story was originally published February 10, 2025 at 4:16 PM.