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Another tragic car accident has claimed the life of a young person and has forever changed the lives of several others. Early yesterday morning a vehicle driven by a 15-year-old boy without a license went through a red light and slammed into two other vehicles in Northeast Philadelphia.
The driver of one of the vehicles died at the scene and his girlfriend, who sat next to him, was seriously injured.
According to police, the 15-year-old was taking his mother’s Chrysler Sebring for a joy ride down Academy Road with three other passengers at about 2 a.m. when it ran a no-left-turn red light at Willits Road and collided with two cars traveling the opposite direction. The Sebring did not have its lights on at the time.
The two other cars that were hit included a Chevrolet Impala and a Volkswagen Jetta, which was driver by the 22-year-old who perished. The 22-year-old’s girlfriend and at least three others, including the 15-year-old driver of the Sebring and two of his passengers, were hospitalized for injuries.
Family members of the 22-year-old told the media that he was a “fun-loving guy” with a “very big heart.” He enjoyed snowboarding and hanging out with friends, they said.
The young couple who were traveling in the Jetta had been dating for three years.
“My sister really loved [him],” the girlfriend’s brother told reporters.
Police reported that the 15-year-old driver has been charged with murder as an adult for his role in the accident.
“This horrible tragedy is something we’ll all have to live with for the rest of our lives, that, the other boy’s family will have to live with.” The 22-year-old’s father told reporters.
Tragic car accidents are all too common in Pennsylvania and take the lives of many young people prematurely. With Fourth of July weekend upon us, it is especially important to use caution while on the roads. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, “DA: Teen joyrider charged with murder in deadly crash,” 6/30/2011.