Grandfather's crash that killed 8-year-old boy was 'freak accident,' family says

Connor Allen remembered as vivacious, kind boy

EDGEWATER, Fla. – A grandfather is mourning the death of his 8-year-old grandson, whom he said was killed during a "freak accident" involving his drag-style race car.

Connor Allen died Wednesday when he was struck by the race car belonging to his grandfather, Roland Robidoux, according to officials from the Edgewater Police Department.

Robidoux said the boy was outside the car helping his grandfather guide it into the garage.

"He stepped out to tell me to go like this," Robidoux said. "It took off, I was so shocked. I didn't see him after that." 

Skid marks still coat the floor of the garage where the pro-street car came crashing through. Robidoux bought the car in 2016 and showcased it throughout the area. 

"These skidmarks are from when the throttle stuck to the floor," he said. "This was an accident, a terrible accident and unfortunately a beautiful 8-year-old boy is no longer here. I'll never see him again." 

On a GoFundMe page created to help with funeral expenses, the family said the crash occurred when the car's throttle control malfunctioned, causing it to accelerate forward and crash through the garage wall. Connor was found outside, lying on the grass, according to the family. Police said he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Connor's family remembers him as a polite boy who "lived life to the fullest." According to the page, he enjoyed riding in his family's cars and loved the sport of drag racing.

"Connor had a smile that could light up a room, a wonderful sense of humor, and a zest for life," the GoFundMe page states. "Our lives will never be the same again since his death, but he will remain in our hearts forever."

Robidoux wants people to know how much he loved his grandson, and how he says the whole incident was an accident. 

"There was a mechanical problem with the vehicle myself, through not fault of mine," he said. "I was behind the wheel but after the car did what it was going to do. I was trying to control it and it wouldn't stop for me. " 

Connor's funeral services are set for 4-7 p.m. Jan. 9 at 511 Old Kings Road South, Flager Beach, with the funeral Mass on Jan. 10, starting at 10 a.m. at 4600 Belle Terry Parkway in Palm Coast.

You can donate to the GoFundMe page here.

Edgewater Police have impounded the car as they continue to investigate the incident.  


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