A Fort Benning soldier died early Monday after a 17-year-old driver collided with the soldier’s car at Macon Road and University Avenue, police said.

Jack L. Hughes, of Columbus, is charged with first-degree vehicular homicide, two drug charges and a red light violation in connection with the death of Jerome C. Owens, 39. Hughes is accused of having Ecstasy and prescription pills, Lt. Mark D. Starling said.

Hughes has no bond, Starling added.

The soldier, driving a 2002 Nissan Altima, was headed north on Elm Street where it connects with University and was turning left onto Macon around 5:15 a.m. when a 1998 Ford F-150 collided with him, Starling added.

“As he entered the intersection, a vehicle headed east on Macon Road disregarded the red traffic signal, striking the driver’s side door,” the lieutenant said.

The soldier was pronounced dead at The Medical Center at 6:26 a.m., Deputy Coroner Freeman Worley said.

Hughes’ Columbus Recorder’s Court hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday.