CYPRESS, TX. (THECOUNT) — Jarmelo Vertudez was killed early Saturday after being ejected from a rolling Lincoln Aviator driven by teen driver Griffin Trebec during a two-vehicle crash in Harris County, Texas, authorities said.
The crash was reported shortly after midnight Saturday, Oct. 24, on Tuckerton Road just east of Fry Road, near Cypress Creek Bend Drive in the greater Houston metropolitan area.
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According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the Lincoln was traveling eastbound in the outside lane while a Honda Accord traveled eastbound in the inside lane. As the Lincoln approached from behind, the Honda began changing lanes. The Lincoln struck the Honda’s rear passenger-side area.
The impact sent the Honda off the roadway and into a tree. The Lincoln rotated and rolled multiple times, ejecting Vertudez, who was riding as a passenger.
Cy-Fair EMS requested a LifeFlight helicopter for Vertudez. He was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital in downtown Houston, where he was pronounced dead at 4:41 a.m.
The Lincoln carried five passengers between the ages of 16 and 18. Four other occupants were transported to Memorial Hermann Cypress and Memorial Hermann Katy with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the information provided.
Authorities reported that Trebec displayed signs of intoxication. He was also hospitalized at Memorial Hermann Katy. A witness also reported that the Lincoln had been traveling at a high rate of speed before the collision. Investigators have not announced a final determination about the crash’s cause.
The driver of the Honda remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Authorities said the driver did not display signs of intoxication.
The Harris County Vehicular Crimes Division is investigating the fatal collision. As of the latest available reporting, authorities had not announced whether charges would be filed.
Cypress is an unincorporated community in Harris County, northwest of Houston. The crash occurred on Tuckerton Road near Fry Road, in the Houston metropolitan area.
Google Maps: 20200 Tuckerton Road, Cypress, Texas (the sheriff’s office lists this address for its traffic release; the precise collision point is reported near Fry Road and Cypress Creek Bend Drive).
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