Spokane7
65°
July 26, 2011 in City
Boy loses fingers in BMX race at Dwight Merkel
An 8-year-old boy lost five fingers on two hands when they were crushed by a starting gate last Wednesday at the BMX bicycle track at the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex in Northwest Spokane.
Spokane city officials said they are looking into the accident and the safety of the mechanism used to start BMX competitions.
The boy, Christopher Yoho, apparently lost balance just ahead of the start and grabbed the top of the gate as it dropped to the starting position in the race last Wednesday, according to family and eyewitness reports.
He is the son of Ryan Yoho and Amanda Suydam, of Spokane.
The boy was treated and later released from the hospital. His family declined to comment on the incident.
Marlene Feist, spokeswoman for the city of Spokane, said the gate operates by hydraulics and is used to hold back racers at the start of race events at the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex next to Joe Albi Stadium. The mechanism is a long, horizontal barrier to racers and drops quickly at start time.
“It is only used at approved practices and events,” she said.
Feist said the gate meets standards of the American Bike Association.
“We are just starting our investigation,” she said.
She said city staff is “very concerned about this child and his family.”
“Our hearts go out to him and his family.”
MLK Jr. Way opens Thursday 
lowtechmaster on July 26 at 4:36 p.m.
I feel very sorry for the child and his family. But how much will this cost the taxpayers? Possibly the city should get out of such activities.
spokane_boy on July 26 at 10:46 p.m.
The Dwight Merkel complex, and in particular the BMX track, are valuable assets for the community—and are highly applauded by most everyone I know. While the accident is indeed tragic, I for one will continue to encourage my children to continue to bicycle, run, and play at the Merkel complex, and take advantage of the great recreational opportunities we have thanks to Spokane City Parks & Rec.
Prayers and best wishes to young Ryan and his family.
selkirks on July 26 at 11:25 p.m.
It is a tragic incident indeed. Many positive vibes to the family involved.
However, the last thing that this is is a reason “for the city to get out of such activities.” By that logic, we should have closed the city’s Aquatics facilities years ago. Indeed, we should have closed all of the city’s parks, splash pads, etc.
I’m sorry, @lowtechmaster, I’m trying to see your side of it, but I can’t. Nor will I ever be able to. If you are using the facility, you acknowledge the risk. It’s not something new. It’s an every day thing. And this is the first accident on the BMX track. Not the hundredth. Either way, there are risks everywhere. Everywhere. They are all acknowledged and assumed.
danluvs24 on July 27 at 10:22 a.m.
Having been involved in BMX for nearly 8 years with my three children, this is a very very rare insodent. I have personaly never heard of this before. The Track at The Merkel Sports Complex is as safe as any of the other 30+ tracks my family and i have visited in the US and Canada. I for one volunteer at this facility as well as others in both Idaho and Washington. Accidents do happen in everyday life. Fact is, is that each and every facility goes above and beyond to see that each and every person there is as safe as can be from riders to spectators alike. Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to young Cris and his family and will continue to do so. The BMX Community nation wide stands behind this family and all this sport has to offer. I encourage all to come out and witness for themselves what BMX is all about.