Briggs Buck

FAIRVIEW TWP — State police believe a 16-year-old boy who crashed his all-terrain vehicle late Friday night fled the scene of the accident that killed his friend riding on the back.

Criminal investigators also suspect the teen driver may have been drinking.

Lt. Thomas Dubovi said the investigation continues but that the boy could face charges as serious as vehicular homicide.

“We still need to talk to the district attorney to determine if this was a case of gross negligence or not,” Dubovi said this morning.

Police aren’t naming the driver, but Karns City School District Superintendent Eric Ritzert this morning identified him as Elijah Myers, a sophomore.

Killed in the crash was 16-year-old Briggs R. Buck of Chicora, also a sophomore at the school.

The wreck happened between 10:30 and 11:30 p.m., at Butternut and Spruce roads in Fairview Township.

Police said the driver lost control of the vehicle and slid sideways into the snow. The ATV rolled, throwing Myers and Briggs off the vehicle.

Briggs died of injuries in the crash. Myers suffered minor injuries. Both boys were wearing helmets.

Butler County Coroner William Young III said an autopsy determined Briggs died of severe injuries to the head and body.

Investigators later spoke to Myers at his home. During the interview, police began to suspect the boy may have been drinking before the wreck.

“We had indications there was alcohol involved by the driver,” Dubovi said, who declined to elaborate.

Police suspect he fled the scene “because he didn’t want to get into trouble,” Dubovi said.

But the ATV was far too damaged in the crash to drive away. Instead, Myers had help.

Someone who was following the boys in a pickup truck stopped after the wreck and hauled the ATV away in the truck.

Police would not identify the pickup driver, who also could face charges. Investigators have interviewed that driver, too.

“We have not determined his culpability,” Dubovi said.