By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — A Rowan County teen driver died Saturday after he was thrown from a sport utility vehicle in a crash on Goodman Lake Road, off Bringle Ferry Road. A passenger was also thrown from the vehicle, but he survived.

Officials could not release the names of the teens until notification had been made to their families. Trooper D.R. Morgan said neither boy was wearing a seat belt.

Morgan said as the driver  came around the curve headed toward Bringle Ferry Road, he ran off the right side of the road. He over corrected, came back onto the road and went left of center. The vehicle overturned two times, ejecting both teens.

Union Fire Chief Steve Cauble said when fire crews arrived on the scene a neighbor was performing CPR on the 18-year-old driver. Fire responders took over CPR until Rowan EMS medics arrived and medics continued life saving measures, but were unsuccessful.

The 15-year-old passenger was seen at the scene and he appeared to have minor injuries.

Cauble said it was a joint effort by everyone at the scene to try to resuscitate the teen.

The crash occurred at 6:56 p.m. a short distance from Heavens Trail and Goodman Lake Road intersection.

Union Volunteer and Miller’s Ferry fire departments responded.

“It’s so important to wear seat belts,” Morgan said.

Morgan said he didn’t believe the two boys were related, but were friends.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walke rat 704-797-4253.