DENVER, N.C. -- A high-speed crash killed a teen and his cousin who were on their way to play video games at a friend’s house in Lincoln County on Sunday night.

Troopers said 20-year-old Brandon Zinn was driving more than 120 mph when he lost control, ran off the road and hit a tree at about 10:15 p.m. on Saint James Church Road at Fieldcrest Lane in Denver. Authorities said the impact tore the vehicle into three pieces.

Family members of Zinn and his passenger, 16-year-old Timothy “Shane” Wilkes Jr., went to the site of the crash and picked through the wreckage Monday.

Timothy Wilkes Sr. had to be carried from the spot where his son's body was found.

“I wanted to come out here and see,” he said.

He said his son was raised to love racing, and Zinn, a former Marine, shared his passion. He said Zinn's Mustang was altered to run faster.

“This is no way to go. If you want to race, don't do it in Hickory on the street. Don't do it in Denver on the street. Don't do it nowhere on the street,” Wilkes said.

Zinn's brother said he saw the pair pass the house they were going to and hit the tree.

“I tried to help both of them, but there was nothing I could do -- absolutely nothing,” said Colin Zinn.

Brandon Zinn's best friend said he was on the phone with the driver as he crashed.

“The last thing I heard was, ‘Oh,’ and then the call ended,” Ethan Mullis said.

Wilkes said he had talked to his son three hours before the wreck.

“He said, ‘Dad, I love you,’" he said.