Police: Teen killed, another charged in Hickory crash

HICKORY, N.C. — Investigators said that both speed and alcohol are believed to be the causes of a crash that killed a teen and sent another to the hospital Sunday night in Hickory.

Investigators said that around 7:45 p.m. Sunday, a 2006 Subaru Forester driven by 17-year-old David Engelmann was traveling south on 6th Street NW when it struck the curb, causing it flip several times and come to rest in a field off the road.

According to police, Engelmann's passenger -- 17-year-old Jay Robertson II -- was rushed to Frye Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Engelmann was also taken to the hospital but was treated and released. Police have charged him with felony death by motor vehicle, driving while impaired, possession of an open container, driving after consuming by provisional licensee and careless and reckless driving.

He was released on a $10,000 bond.

A spokesperson for Hickory public schools told Channel 9 Monday that Robertson was a student at Hickory High School and that extra counselors will be at the school Tuesday.

Mourners have already set up a memorial at the crash scene.

"Me, my wife and daughter were going on a walk. I heard a car skidding and as soon as I turned, looked around the corner, I barely caught the back end of the vehicle. It was sliding sideways and out of my sight," said Adam Johnson, who lives near the crash scene.

Johnson said one of the teens was thrown from the car.

The speed limit is 35 mph in the area the accident happened and police said neither Engelmann nor Robertson were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. 

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story.

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