By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — A Rockwell teen has been identified as the driver killed in a Saturday crash on Goodman Lake Road, just off Bringle Ferry Road, when the vehicle ran off the road, overturned and he was thrown from it.

According to N.C. Highway Patrol Trooper D.R. Morgan, 18-year-old Charles Hunter Gauge Schenk was driving too fast in a curve just before Heavens Trail and Goodman Lake Road. Schenk lost control of a Chevrolet SUV, ran off the road, overcorrected, came back onto the road, went left of center and the SUV overturned two times. There’s a caution sign on that stretch of road that warns motorists to drive 30 mph.

While it was reported that Schenk’s 15-year-old passenger was also thrown from the vehicle, Morgan said he remained in the vehicle. The passenger told officials he was thrown around inside the vehicle, but was not ejected. He managed to get himself out after landing in the driver’s seat.

The vehicle came to rest right side up. The crash occurred just before 7 p.m. Motorists were detoured around that section of Goodman Lake Road via Lake Fork Drive.

Morgan said he could not release the name of the minor passenger, who also sustained injuries. The boys, both of Rockwell, were friends. Both the driver and passenger were not wearing seat belts.

First responders with Union Volunteer Fire Department performed CPR on Schenk, along with a neighbor prior to Rowan EMS’s arrival. All life saving measures were done on the scene, but responders were unable to revive Schenk.

Morgan said seat belts are important. He noted that this crash was “survivable,” if a seat belt had been worn.

He hopes that not only teen drivers but adults as well will be reminded that seat belts are paramount to saving lives.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.