Louisiana Teenager Dies in Crash, Not Wearing Seatbelt

State Troopers are investigating a crash that took the life of a teenager on US 190 about three and half miles east of LA 434 in St. Tammany Parish.

The single vehicle crash seriously injured the driver, Brian Williams, 19, and killed Thomas Populas, 15. They were both from Lacombe, LA. Neither teenager was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Troopers say the crash occurred as Williams was traveling west on US 190 in a 2008 Ford Mustang when he attempted to pass a slower moving vehicle ahead of him in the westbound lane.

 Williams apparently drove off the road and onto the shoulder, lost control of the Stang, causing it to spin and move back across the east and westbound lanes.  The car slammed into some large trees.

Williams was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. Populas was thrown into the rear window during impact and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Charges are currently pending against Williams.