A 13-year-old motocross rider was killed after he was hit by a motorcycle while practicing at a racetrack in Compostela, Davao de Oro.

The rider was identified as Ruel “Arjay” Gonzaga, Jr. known as “AJ30 King Cobra” in the motocross community.

According to Ruel’s father, his son was practicing with his 65cc motorbike to familiarize the racetrack when another rider figured in an accident and the vehicle hit his son.

“Nilarga sya, naay nadisgrasya didto, layo ra, nabuy-an niya ang motor ba. Ang motor, nitabok sa pikas lane…Timing gyud kaayo, mga seconds lang gyud ba nga didto gyud nitugpa sa iya ang motor,” Ruel’s father said.

Ruel reportedly became popular in the motocross community after he showed impressive improvements within a year since he joined competitions where he mostly emerged as champion.

Ruel’s father said sadly that while motocross kept his son away from vices, it was also what led him to his death.

He said what happened should serve as a lesson to organizers and the motocross community.

“Bawal gyud mag-practice ang mga bata kung naay mga dagko. Kini nga sports, tagaan unta og pagtagad sa gobyerno nga taga LGU, tarungon ninyo og hatag og talent fee ang mga rider kay di basta basta ang ilang gibuhat para malingaw lang ang inyong lungsod,” Ruel’s father said.

The family of the other rider and the organizers of the competition have reportedly coordinated with Ruel’s family for burial expenses and other assistance.