Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
GRANTSVILLE — Family members of a boy killed in a collision on a dirt bike remember him as a "beautiful soul" whose life was cut far too short.
Efraim Carreon Sr. said his son, 12-year-old Efraim Carreon, was riding his dirt bike and had gone to get a drink when he was hit Monday.
Utah Highway Patrol said a Mercedes was traveling west along state Route 138 at about 5:45 p.m. It was turning south onto Sun Valley Drive in Grantsville when the boy on the dirt bike collided with the car. Troopers said Efraim died at the scene.
"It's just so hard and tragic that this had to happen so quick," Carreon Sr. said on Wednesday. "It's too bad, you know, at 12 years old he had to lose his life so soon."
He said his son was a "beautiful kid" with "beautiful eyes." He said he was a fighter and succeeded at everything he tried, from competitive dirt biking to hunting to boating to camping and to gaming.
"I cannot accept this still," the father said. "We loved him so much since he was born."
Carreon Sr. said with so many dirt bikes and other smaller vehicles, as well as pedestrians on the road, it is important for everyone to be as cautious as possible.
A small memorial including a wreath, flowers, and balloons still stood Wednesday at the corner where the collision happened. A GoFundMe account* was set up to assist with funeral costs.
Family members said they were grateful for their boy's love and the moments they shared together.
"He was a blessing to us to have him for what seems a very short time," Carreon Sr. said. "We're all going there sooner or later. It's just a tragedy it happened so soon for him."
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
