FORT WORTH, Texas A Flower Mound girl died Sunday after her go-kart crashed outside Texas Motor Speedway.
Kierstin Eaddy, 14, was involved in an autocross event in a TMS parking lot Sunday morning sponsored by the Sports Car Club of America.
Witnesses said her kart failed to stop after crossing the finish line. The kart went through a low fence, stripping the driver's safety helmet.
Kierstin was airlifted to Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital after the accident, but was later pronounced dead.
It is unknown if she lost control because of a medical reason or if there was mechanical failure, Fort Worth police spokeswoman Sharron Neal said Sunday in an e-mail to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Kierstin's father, Todd Eaddy, called it a freak accident. He said she was incredibly spirited, popular with friends, and spent countless hours volunteering with autistic children.
She touched the hearts of so many people, said Eaddy, who is himself involved with SCCA.
Race organizers declined to comment on the participant's death at the scene, but SCCA president Lisa Noble issued this statement late Sunday evening:
All of us at the SCCA are shocked and saddened to hear about Sunday s tragic accident involving Kierstin Eaddy. We are a Club of families, and are shaken by the loss of this young competitor. Personally, and on behalf of the SCCA, my heartfelt condolences go out to Kierstin s family, friends, and the participants at Sunday s event.
The kart involved in the accident was surrounded by emergency vehicles and crime scene tape in a grassy area on Sunday afternoon as Fort Worth police conducted a full investigation.
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