Six-year-old Preston El Guindy was just playing outside his family home on a mild Saturday evening. It was right around 9 p.m. on Brookhaven Court, near Highway 79. Nothing about the night suggested anything could go wrong in the quiet neighborhood east of Temecula. Minutes later, a routine movement in the driveway turned into an absolute nightmare.
The little boy was standing in the path of a moving Tesla Cybertruck as it reversed out of the driveway. His father was behind the wheel, completely unaware that his young son was back there. The heavy electric pickup struck Preston, leaving him with severe injuries right outside his front door.
Panic set in immediately. Preston’s dad called 911 without losing a second, desperately asking for emergency help. First responders from the Riverside County Fire Department rushed to the scene on Brookhaven Court within minutes. Paramedics worked on the young boy and loaded him into an ambulance.
Crews rushed Preston to Inland Valley Medical Center in nearby Wildomar. Doctors and medical staff did everything they could to save him. Despite all their efforts, the injuries were simply too severe. Preston was pronounced dead at the hospital later that night with his mother by his side.
Investigating officers from the California Highway Patrol took over the scene to figure out how the tragedy happened. They confirmed that the Cybertruck was not running on Autopilot at the time of the crash. Investigators also noted that no dashboard alerts or warnings sounded inside the cab to warn the driver about a child behind the truck.
Officer Jesus Garcia from the California Highway Patrol spoke about the loss that night. He publicly extended deep condolences to the boy’s family and everyone affected by the accident. Authorities questioned the father at the scene, finding zero signs of impairment, and chose not to make any arrests while the review continues.
Those who knew Preston remembered him as a sweet boy who brought pure joy to everyone around him. Family friend Stefanie Chesbro set up a GoFundMe campaign to help support his grieving parents and his sister, Scarlett. Neighbors and community members quickly rallied around the family, raising over $27,000 toward their initial goal as a heartbroken town grieved the loss of a bright young life.
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