Family, friends mourn loss of 7-year-old killed in dirt bike...

GREAT FALLS, S.C. — Tristan Mericle loved to wear cowboy boots and headphones, and sing country songs.

"He was just a fantastic kid. He'd walk in the room and you'd just smile because of the way he was," said his uncle Brett Donohoe.

Tristan's family is now planning his funeral, after the 7-year-old boy was killed Tuesday afternoon riding his new dirt bike near Great Falls.

Troopers said it'll likely be next week before they finish their investigation into the deadly accident. They said Tristan was killed when he rode his bike onto Highway 97 and was struck by an 18-wheeler.

The dirt bike was a Christmas present, and Tristan had been asking for one, said uncle Josh Mericle.

"He'd always wanted a dirt bike, or a four-wheeler," Josh Mericle said. "He just wanted to be outside all the time."

Family members said Tristan had a little track outside his father's home near Great Falls and had been riding laps around the house.

Josh Mericle said he'd seen videos of his nephew riding the bike after Christmas, and thought he looked comfortable and confident on it.

"He trusted himself. He seemed like he knew what he was doing," he said.

Josh Mericle said Tristan loved the bike so much there were other presents still in boxes that he hadn't even touched.

His mother, Amy, told Channel 9 that Tristan's younger brother Ayden was his best friend. Ayden turns 4 years old on Saturday.

Donohoe said his nephew's death seems like a bad dream.
"It's like it's almost not real. You just want to wake up and know he's going to be there," he said. "He'll always be in our hearts and in our minds."

Tristan attended Mount Holly Elementary School in Rock Hill.

Josh Mericle said the family is grateful for all the prayers and support they've received from friends and the community. However, they are disturbed by some negative comments from people placing blame on the child's parents while they are trying to grieve a horrible loss.

"Some ignorant people put blame on other people and don't really think about the effects on the parents," he said.

Troopers have not filed any charges in the accident.

A fund for Tristan Mericle's family has been set up at Family Trust Federal Credit Union. You can also donate by clicking here.