Updated: 4: 15 p.m.
A Saturday night crash in Cornelius left one teen dead and another critically injured, according to Cornelius Police.
Police say Grant Geis was driving the car with passenger Andres Morales down Bailey Road when he lost control and crashed into a large tree. Police responded to the accident around 7:30 p.m. Morales was taken to Novant Huntersville, where he was pronounced dead. Geis was taken to CMC Main and remains in critical condition.
Cornelius Police are still investigating the crash, but have said speed was a factor.
Geis is a student at Hough High School. Morales was a student at Hopewell High School, but had attended Hough last year.
In a statement to parents Monday afternoon, Hough Principal Laura Rosenbach said students were told of the fatal crash. Rosenbach said the school has made counselors available to students who need support.
“Please be mindful of your student’s emotional state and watch for changes in behavior that may signal a need for help,” Rosenbach told parents. “Do not hesitate to reach out to me or any member of the Hough staff for support if you think any student may need it.”