A Northwest Territories teen who recently moved to Red Deer to begin college training has died following a single vehicle accident in the City’s north end.

At about 2:50 a.m. on Sept. 7 Red Deer city RCMP responded to a collision on 77th St. near the intersection of 45 Ave. Close.

RCMP said a 1993 Toyota Camry with three occupants was traveling eastbound on 77 St. when it lost control and went into the north ditch where it

struck concrete posts and a fire hydrant.

The 19-year-old driver of the vehicle was trapped. Emergency rescue crews then extracted the driver from the Toyota using the “Jaws of Life”.

An 18-year-old passenger was ejected from the vehicle and suffered serious life threatening injuries. He was transported to Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre and later transferred to Edmonton by STARS air ambulance.

RCMP said alcohol was believed to be a factor in this collision.

On Sept. 8, RCMP said 18-year-old Matthew Taylor from Hay River, NWT,

succumbed to his injuries.

Police said Taylor had moved to Red Deer to start studies at Red Deer College on Sept. 8.

RCMP said Taylor was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the collision and he was ejected from the vehicle. Police added this was a contributing factor in the severity of his injuries.

A second passenger, an 18-year-old male who was wearing his seatbelt, was taken to hospital, treated and then released.

A 19-year-old Red Deer man, who can not be identified until an information is sworn, has been charged with one count of impaired driving causing death and one count of impaired driving causing bodily harm.

He was released from custody to appear in Red Deer provincial court on Nov. 23.

Bachusky