CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A 17-year-old Garinger High School student has been charged after driving the car that crashed on Dec. 7, injuring three other students, including a 15-year-old girl who died from her injuries the Sunday following the crash.
The driver was taken into custody on Friday, Dec. 15, and has been charged with speeding, not having a license, and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.
The 15-year-old girl, who sustained serious injuries in a Charlotte crash Thursday, died Sunday of her injuries, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department confirmed Monday.
Allisson Manrique Mejia was riding in the car with three other students from Garinger High School when the crash occurred along Shamrock Drive.
Mejia was riding in the 2010 Mazda 3 when the car "veered off the left side of the roadway, went airborne and flipped," CMPD said in a released statement Monday.
Three of the passengers were not wearing seatbelts and were ejected from the vehicle, investigators have determined. The driver was wearing a seatbelt and was able to exit the vehicle safely after the crash.
"We are heartbroken by this loss of life and we grieve with her family and friends," Principal LeDuan Pretty said in a message to the school. "We ask that you keep Allisson’s family, friends, and our students and staff in your thoughts and prayers."
Police did not say whether Mejia was the driver or a passenger. The names of the other three students have not been publicly released.
Medic said they transported three patients to Atrium Health's Carolinas Medical Center hospital with life-threatening injuries. Two others were transported to the hospital with serious injuries.
Mejia succumbed to her injuries Sunday.
"Death can be difficult for us to understand, especially when it is sudden," Pratt said. "The Crisis Response Team at Garinger has made plans to respond to the emotional needs of all students. Counselors will be highly visible throughout the building and available to assist with grief counseling.
The crash on Thursday came during a tragic week for the school. Earlier in the week, 14-year-old Johnnie McClendon, another Garinger High School student, was shot and killed.
Another crash last week claimed the life of a Rocky River High School student. Two other students were also injured during that Mint Hill crash.
Investigations remain open. Anyone can anonymously share information by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/.