Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park is closing following the death of a 9-year-old girl

The popular Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park is permanently closing its doors after a 9-year-old girl died in a tragic accident in June. The owners say the decision was made after they were faced with a lawsuit from their family stating that no such case actually exists.

The news comes five months after girl Brooke Carlton died in a collision with another driver on the track on June 4.

A statement posted on the park's Instagram account said in part: “It is with great sadness that we announce the closure of LEMX. Due to a lawsuit stemming from a tragic accident in June, the property owner has terminated our agreement as they are also being brought in.”

However, an attorney representing the Carlton family says that while they investigated what was then described as a “freak accident,” they did not file a lawsuit against the park.

They say there is no connection between Brooke's death and the park's closure and that the Carlton family does not want to harm Lake Elsinore's large motocross community.

Local residents greeted the news with disappointment, although they were aware of the tragedy that led to the decision.

“It’s part of what makes Lake Elsinore Lake Elsinore. We have the lake and we have the motorsports,” said Shawn Bradbury. “From what I understand, this has always been a really safe place to visit.”

CBS News Los Angeles has reached out to the motorsports complex for comment and clarification but has not yet heard back. A search of online court records proved unsuccessful in locating the lawsuit.