PRESTON EL GUINDY, 6, KILLED AFTER FATHER ACCIDENTALLY BACKS TESLA CYBERTRUCK INTO HIM

A six-year-old California boy has died after he was accidentally struck by a Tesla Cybertruck driven by his father while the vehicle was being backed out of the family driveway.

Preston El Guindy was fatally injured shortly before 9 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, at the family’s home near Temecula, California, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The tragedy has left Preston’s family facing the devastating loss of a young boy described by loved ones as a joyful child who brought happiness to everyone around him.

A TRAGIC MOMENT OUTSIDE HIS FAMILY HOME

According to investigators, Preston was outside the family home when his father, 48-year-old Tarik El Guindy, began reversing the Tesla Cybertruck out of the driveway.

The vehicle struck the boy.

Tarik immediately called 911, and emergency responders rushed to the scene.

Preston was taken to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar with serious injuries. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the hospital later that night.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office identified the child as Preston El Guindy.

POLICE SAY THE CRASH APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT

The California Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate exactly how the collision happened.

CHP Officer Jesus Garcia told the Los Angeles Times that the information available so far points to an accident and that investigators had found no indication of foul play.

The Cybertruck was not operating in Autopilot mode at the time of the collision, according to the CHP collision report.

Investigators are reviewing video recorded by the vehicle as well as other available evidence as they work to reconstruct the moments leading up to the crash.

Authorities have also reported no indication that Tarik was impaired.

No criminal charges had been reported in connection with the incident at the time of the latest reports.

“TO KNOW PRESTON IS TO LOVE HIM”

While authorities continue their investigation, Preston’s family is mourning the loss of a little boy whose life had only just begun.

A GoFundMe campaign organized to support the family described Preston as a child who was always smiling and brought joy to everyone around him.

“His parents and sister, Scarlett, are left with the insurmountable tragedy that is losing their son and brother,” the fundraiser said.

The fundraiser also described Preston as a beloved child whose presence touched the people around him.

His family is now left with memories of a six-year-old who had been enjoying childhood only days before the heartbreaking accident.

A LITTLE BOY WHO LOVED BASEBALL

Preston’s father had previously shared a video featuring his son playing baseball.

The footage has taken on a painful significance for the family following Preston’s death.

His loved ones are now remembering him not through the circumstances that ended his life, but through the moments that made him who he was — his smile, his energy and the happiness he brought to his family.

The fundraising campaign was created to help the family with funeral expenses and other costs as they cope with the sudden loss.

AN INVESTIGATION IS STILL UNDERWAY

The fatal driveway collision has also renewed attention on the dangers children can face around vehicles, particularly when a vehicle is being moved in reverse.

Safety experts have long warned that children can be difficult for drivers to see around large vehicles, even when modern vehicles are equipped with cameras and sensors.

But investigators have not concluded that a specific vehicle feature or warning system caused or contributed to Preston’s death.

For now, CHP officers are continuing to review the available evidence.

For Preston’s family, however, the investigation cannot change the heartbreaking reality that their six-year-old son is gone.

He was a child with a future full of possibilities.

And to those who loved him, Preston will be remembered for far more than the tragic accident that took his life.