Police: One teen dead, another in serious condition after crash

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington Police say a teen was killed in a car crash on Greenville Loop Road early Christmas morning.

Wilmington Police spokeswoman Linda Thompson says the crash happened in the 6300 block of Greenville Loop Rd. around 2:45 a.m. Wednesday.

Police say there were three people in the car. They believe the 18-year-old driver was speeding when the car hit a utility pole, snapping it in half.

The 17-year-old passenger reportedly had to be removed from the car by firefighters and died at the scene.

Joel Maldonado is the step-father of the teen. He says he was in Florida when he received the call about his son, Kevin Bryan Cruz.

“We’re devastated. Can’t even put it into words. It’s numbing,” Maldonado expressed.

He says Cruz was a senior at John T. Hoggard High School. We’re told Cruz was a good kid.

“He was great, always wanted to have fun. Never got himself into trouble, he cared for his family, loved his brothers and sisters,” Maldonado said.

Wilmington Police spokeswoman Linda Thompson says the driver is in serious condition at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

She says there was also a 15-year-old backseat passenger, who is in stable condition.

The teens were reportedly driving a 1999 Ford Taurus.

The crash is under investigation at this time.

WWAY will update the story as additional information becomes available.