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11-year-old in dirt bike crash dies
Tristan Payne pic
Tristan Payne

A charity page to assist with final expenses has been set up in memory of a Dawson County boy involved in a dirt bike wreck earlier this week.

Tristan Payne, a fourth grader at Robinson Elementary, was riding his 100cc child size dirt bike motorcycle Monday afternoon when he collided with a stopped truck on Davis Road in western Dawson County.

The 11-year-old was listed in critical condition when he was flown by helicopter to Egelston Children's Hospital in Atlanta.

Emergency workers said he was unresponsive upon arrival and did not regain consciousness.

Dawson County Coroner Ted Bearden said he died Wednesday afternoon.

No charges were filed in the wreck as Payne was considered at fault, according to Georgia State Patrol spokeswoman Robin Stone.

"The truck was parked in a driveway that links several residences. The driver of the truck was coming down a steep hill and the juvenile was coming up the hill," she said. "The driver of the truck saw the motorcycle coming his way at a high rate of speed so he stopped where he was at. The motorcycle continued toward the truck and ran into it head on."

The driver of the truck, who also says he is a close family friend, is distraught about the accident.

Chris Crosby was coming home from work when he pulled into his driveway on Davis Road and saw Payne coming toward him on his dirt bike.

Crosby said he hit the brakes and turned his wheels right before his truck came to a stop and the two collided.

"It was a pure accident," he said Thursday morning.

Crosby said Payne and his son are best friends who played together often.

Payne had stopped by the Crosby home to see his friend, who was sleeping at the time.

The collision occurred as he was leaving.

"I look at Kyle [Tristan Payne's father] like a brother and I look at Tristan like another son," Crosby said.

He described Tristan as a loving and kind boy.

"He had such charisma and was always positive about everything he did. My prayers are with the family and friends and from the bottom of my heart, I am sorry," Crosby said.

Robinson Elementary Principal Kim Bennett said he will be greatly missed by his friends.

"He was an amazing young man, full of life and love for everyone he met," she said. "Tristan had such a great sense of humor and could always put a smile on your face.

"He will forever be in our hearts and will always be a Tiger."

A charity account has been set up in his name to help the family with burial expenses. To make a donation, visit www.gofundme.com/25xxmck.