15-year-old driver charged after teen passenger killed when SUV hits power pole

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police have charged a 15-year-old girl who they said was behind the wheel when an SUV crashed late Sunday in southeast Charlotte, leaving one of her passengers dead and another injured.

The crash happened just before midnight on Sardis Road North, between Ritter and Charter Brook drives.

Investigators said a 2007 Toyota RAV4 was speeding westbound on Sardis Road North when it ran off the road, hit a power pole and rolled. Police said all three people in the SUV were juveniles.

The driver, who police said is 15, was taken to the hospital, as was the front seat passenger. The backseat passenger, 16-year-old Lucy Cameron Wiley, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver was later released from the hospital and charged with felony death by vehicle, felony serious injury, DWI, and reckless driving.

Detectives said alcohol and possible drug use, along with excessive speed, are believed to be major contributing factors to the crash.

Sardis Road North was closed for hours while police investigated the crash and crews worked to repair the power lines.

This is an ongoing investigation. Check back with wsoctv.com for more information.

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