A South Florida family is grieving the loss of five-year-old Garret “Gary” Leonard, who died Friday evening after being struck by a pickup truck at the Krome Motocross Park in Northwest Miami-Dade County.
The tragic accident has sent shockwaves through the local motocross community, prompting an outpouring of support for the boy’s family.
According to Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies, Garret was riding his small motorbike in the parking lot of the park, located at 16665 Krome Avenue, when he came into the path of a Chevrolet Silverado.
The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue personnel pronounced the child dead that same evening. Traffic homicide deputies are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.
Motocross was not just a weekend activity for Garret. It was a way of life for the five-year-old, who regularly rode with his family and had even built a track at his home.
Those who knew him describe a boy with an infectious smile and a natural talent for the sport. Friends remembered him as someone who loved showing off his riding skills and greeting people with big, warm hugs.
Following the incident, Miami Motocross canceled all events that had been planned for the weekend out of respect for the family and the broader community.
Two Fundraisers Launched to Support the Leonard Family
In the days since the accident, two separate GoFundMe campaigns have been launched to help Garret’s parents navigate the financial burden that comes with sudden loss.
As of Monday, the campaign organized by Alejandro Acevedo had raised nearly $40,000 from more than 250 donors.
Acevedo, who knew Garret through the motocross community, described the boy as someone who brought life and energy to every event he attended.
Beyond covering funeral costs, Acevedo expressed hope that a memorial race could one day be held in Garret’s name, giving the community a meaningful way to honor his memory and keep his spirit alive on the track.
A second fundraiser, organized by Andrew Stelloh, was created with a specific focus on giving Garret’s parents the financial breathing room to step away from work and allow themselves time to grieve without added pressure.
Stelloh remembered Garret as a sweet and talented young boy who was already showing signs of becoming a serious athlete.
“He loved to show you how well he could ride,” Stelloh wrote, “and he always had the biggest smile doing it.”
The response from both the local community and the wider motocross world has been immediate and generous. For a family facing unimaginable loss, that support offers a small measure of comfort during an incredibly painful time. Those who wish to help can search for Garret Leonard’s name on GoFundMe to find either active campaign.
