19-year-old driver dies in Katy area crash

KATY, TX (KTRK) -- Harris County Sheriff investigators say a 19-year-old man who just graduated from high school and was set to join the Marines died in crash overnight in the Katy area.

It happened around midnight near the intersection of Morton Road and Rain Park Lane. There were two men in a Ford Ranger pickup truck. Sgt. S. Wolverton of the Harris County Sheriffs Office says he believes they were speeding westbound on Morton Road when the truck blew a tire, the driver lost control, began to slide sideways and hit the median.

"His truck struck a tree. After he struck the tree, it appeared that he rolled 2 to 3 times, landing on the roof," Sgt. Wolverton said.

The driver died at the scene. His passenger was hurt but should recover from his injuries.

Investigators believe speed was as factor in the crash. They are still looking into whether alcohol played a role in in the accident.