CANTON, Ohio (WOIO) - A Canton pastor was charged in connection with the death of a child who he allowed to ride outside of a motor vehicle.

According to Canton court records, 26-year-old Rushon Trevl Patterson II was charged with vehicular homicide and child endangerment.

The charges stem from an incident on September 9th, where court records said Patterson allowed a teen to ride on the outside of a Ford van, which Patterson was operating.

A Canton Police report holds a witness statement that describes several teens hanging off the car and the victim falling off when the van hit a pothole.

The victim was identified by his mother as 14-year-old Malachi Nichols-Williams.

The crash report says Malachi "was ejected, causing his death."

Malachi was seriously injured and later died, according to court records.

Pamela Nichols said her son was devoted to his faith and wanted to grow up to be a police officer and pastor.

"Loving, caring," Nichols said. "He cares about everybody, he will give you the shirt off his back if he had to."

She said what makes this even more difficult is that her son looked up to Patterson like a father.

"You caused a good kid to lose his life," Nichols said. "I know he's hurt because I'm hurt so I know he is too, but that's not going to bring him back."

Police records say the van is owned by Alive Now Church.

A staffer at the church confirms to 19 News that Patterson is a pastor there and says the victim was also a member of the church.

19 News has reached out to the Canton Police Department for more information.

19 News has reached out to Alive Now Church, but has not heard back yet.