A judge for the Mr. Olympia bodybuilding competition accidentally struck and killed his six-year-old son while reversing his Tesla Cybertruck outside the family’s California home.
Terrick El Guindy, 48, of Temecula, hit Preston shortly before 9 p.m. on Saturday on Brookhaven Court, near Highway 79.
The family immediately called 911, and the boy was taken to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar. He died at the hospital later that night from his injuries.
A heartbreaking GoFundMe page created by family friend Stefanie Chesbro said: “On Saturday night our sweet Preston was playing outside in his neighborhood and was accidentally struck by a moving vehicle.
“His injuries were too great and Preston tragically passed away at the hospital with Mom by his side. His parents and sister, Scarlett, are left with the insurmountable tragedy that is losing their son and brother.”
She added: “To know Preston is to love him. Always with a smile on his face he brings joy to everyone in his life.”
El Guindy was questioned by authorities following the collision but was not arrested. A California Highway Patrol spokesperson said the Cybertruck was not operating in autopilot mode and extended condolences to the family.
The spokesperson said: “The CHP extends its condolences to the family and all those affected by this tragic loss.” It remains unclear whether any dashboard alerts warned El Guindy that his son was behind the truck.
In a social media post, the family said Preston had started first grade just last month.
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El Guindy serves as a judge for the world-famous Mr. Olympia competition, where he helps determine the leading bodybuilders in the world.
He also hosts Prime Time Muscle and Olympia TV, where he discusses the bodybuilding industry and shares his views on the sport.
El Guindy previously compared six-time Mr. Olympia winner Chris Bumstead with bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, saying Bumstead had helped revive interest in the sport.
“Chris Bumstead has exploded the sport. Chris Bumstead has been a great, great role model for all of us. His journey is impeccable and we will remember him just like we remember Arnold Schwarzenegger,” he said after Bumstead retired in 2024.
The California Highway Patrol is investigating the incident.