Police believe a single-vehicle auto accident that claimed the life of a teenager likely resulted from drunk driving and speeding. Charges related to the fatal accident are pending against a Virginia Beach driver, who reportedly spun a car out of control in Charles City County, Virginia, on a Saturday night.

A deputy from the Charles City County sheriff's department reported that he observed a reckless driver on Route 106 at about 7:30 p.m. The deputy attempted to pull over the Audi A4, which prompted the car driver increase his speed and flee the scene.

The suspect sped away until the officer lost sight of the vehicle. A person, who reportedly saw the fatal car accident occur, claimed the Audi lost control and flew off the left side of the highway. The car reportedly struck several trees before coming to a stop.

A 17-year-old male passenger in the car died instantly. The 21-year-old driver was seriously hurt, and he was taken to Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in Richmond. The latest report from the hospital listed the driver in good condition.

Route 106 was shut down to traffic for six hours as accident investigators, medical personnel and cleanup crews worked the scene.

A spokesperson for Virginia State Police said that charges are pending against the driver.

In addition to the criminal charges that the driver is likely facing, he also risks being held liable in civil court for the wrongful death of his passenger. It is likely that if the driver had pulled over when signaled to by the officer, the passenger would still be alive. Now his family is stuck with medical and funeral expenses that they never expected to have to pay.

Source: Daily Press, "UPDATE: Driver in fatal Charles City crash recovering; police say alcohol was a factor in crash," Mike Holtzclaw, Dec. 13, 2011