North County teen dies in suspected DUI collision
19-year-old driver arrested
– A 16-year-old passenger from Atascadero was killed and the 19-year-old driver was arrested Saturday in a suspected DUI crash on Highway 41, according to multiple reports.
Shortly before noon Saturday, 19-year-old Atascadero resident Orion Messina was traveling southbound on Highway 41 in a 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara south of Bear Ridge Road when the vehicle reportedly hydroplaned as Messina entered a righthand curve. Messina then collided with the hillside, which caused the vehicle to rotate and overturn.
The 16-year-old passenger, who was in the right front seat and reportedly not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the car and suffered fatal injuries. His identity is not being released by authorities at this time.
Reports say alcohol appears to be a factor in the crash.
While Messina was not injured, reports show he was arrested.
No further information is available at this time.
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