SALISBURY, N.C. — A 16-year-old is dead and three others are hurt after a crash in Salisbury Sunday morning, where police suspect drug use and speed are factors in the collision.
Officers responded to the single-car crash just after 6:30 a.m. near Jake Alexander Boulevard.
Police said 19-year-old Alex Garcia was driving a 2014 Mercedes SUV north towards Statesville Boulevard with three passengers, when he lost control of the vehicle, ran off the road and hit a tree.
Officials confirmed a 16-year-old passenger died from his injuries, and another 16-year-old and 18-year-old are in critical condition.
Garcia had minor injuries from the crash and has been released from the hospital. He was the only one wearing a seatbelt, police said.
“Children that young got their whole life ahead of them and then just gone,” neighbor Henry Lamb said. “Everybody needs to pray for them.”
Garcia was charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and failure to maintain his lane of travel. Officers said additional charges are pending for the suspected drug use and speeding.
According to police, marijuana and mushrooms were found inside the SUV.
No other details have been released at this point.
Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.
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