Car crash kills 14-year-old with 15-year-old driving, Alabama cops say

A 14-year-old juvenile from Smiths Station is dead following a car crash early Sunday on Lee County 179 about 15 miles east of Opelika, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Officials say the wreck occurred around 2:45 a.m., Sunday, after the 2019 GMC Arcadia, being driven by a 15-year-old, left the roadway, struck several trees and overturned.

The 14-year-old was transported to a hospital, where the teen died from injuries, according to the release.

Police say the teen was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

The 15-year-old driver, of Smiths Station, and another 15-year-old passenger were injured and transported to a hospital for treatment, according to the release.

Alabama allows those as young as 15 to have a learner’s permit to drive, but must be accompanied by a person who is 21 years old or older and in the front seat.

This story is ongoing and will be updated as new information becomes available.

This story was originally published April 17, 2023 at 3:05 PM.