Updated Jan. 14: Welling's passengers were not all teenagers as originally reported: They are 17, 19 and 21. Please see CHP Identifies Survivors in Fatal Napa County Crash.
Earlier:
An American Canyon teen was killed when his car slammed into a tree on a rural east Napa County road early this morning.
The collision injured three other passengers, one critically.
Tucker Welling, 18, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, California Highway Patrol Officer G. Garcia said.
About 1:35 a.m., Welling was driving a 2012 or 2013 Chevy Impala on Wild Horse Valley Road when he lost control, struck a fence and plowed into a tree, splitting the Impala in two, Garcia said.
Wellings' three passengers, all American Canyon residents, were taken by ambulance to Queen of the Valley Medical Center.
One of the victims was then airlifted to U.C. Davis Medical Center, in critical condition, Garcia said.
The names of the three passengers have not been released pending notification of the next of kin, he said.
As of this time, investigators do not know if alcohol or drugs played a part in the fatality, Garcia said.
“We suspect speed could be a factor,” he said.
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- Johnny Tamayo
I am really surprised to see anyone from that car alive, let alone posting on Patch just a day later. Ryan, you are here today and healthy for a reason. Become a great man that Tucker would be proud to call his best friend.
Clicking this link will take you to a page set up for donations to Tucker's family to help with funeral costs and expenses. Anything would be greatly appreciated. My family and Tucker's were extremely close, I've known him since I was in diapers. I love him with all of my heart and I miss him every single minute. I want to do whatever I can do help his family.
Can you just give it a rest, and let these poor people get through this tragedy?