By Associated Press - Wednesday, February 4, 2015

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) - Authorities say a 16-year-old who was driving without a license faces misdemeanor death by vehicle and other charges in connection with a Candler wreck that killed a 17-year-old passenger.

Highway Patrol 1st Sgt. Brian Gilreath tells the Asheville Citizen-Times (https://avlne.ws/1At9FDH) that the teen also faces misdemeanor charges of driving without a license, exceeding a safe speed and a seat belt violation.

Celeste Perez of Waynesville, who was riding in the front seat, was killed Sunday. The driver and another passenger suffered non-life-threatening injuries.



Investigators say the car was traveling an estimated 55 mph in a 35-mph zone when the driver lost control of the vehicle in a curve. The car then struck a tree. Perez was thrown from the car.

Investigators say none of the teens was wearing a seatbelt.

___

Information from: The Asheville Citizen-Times, https://www.citizen-times.com

Copyright © 2026 The Washington Times, LLC.

Please read our comment policy before commenting.