Local

Mooresville family mourns loss of son, 16, in dirt bike accident

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Richard Schacht stood inside his garage Wednesday surrounded by dirt bikes, parts and racing gear. It is where he and his 16-year-old son, Dillon, spent their time working on a dream.

"That was his life. It's all he cared to do," Schacht said.

Dillon had been racing dirt bikes for more than 10 years. His passion had taken the family all over the country and his success is proudly displayed in the family living room with numerous trophies, plaques and medals surrounding the television.

The hardware points to a promising future as a professional, and Schacht said his son hoped to turn pro next year.

But Sunday afternoon, Dillon was practicing at a track near Taylorsville when Schacht says his son lost control in midair.

"The bike just nose-dived and he tried to brace himself, but your arms can't hold up your body at that high of speed from that high in the air," Schacht said.

He said he knew Dillon was injured, but didn't realize how seriously until he got to his son.

"I was just trying to wake him up, telling him, I love him. You know, 'Hang in there. Everything is going to be good,'" Schacht said.

But, he said Dillon never regained consciousness.

Inside the garage where the father and son team once worked on their dream is a poster from Dillon's former classmates. His younger brother also races and Schacht says he plans to carry on his older brother's dream.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday.

To help the family with funeral expenses, donations can be made to Richard Schacht, P.O. Box 4935, Mooresville, N.C. 28117.