A 17-year-old was killed and several other teens were hurt after an accident, Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.
Cherokee County Sheriff's deputies responded to the single-vehicle accident off Old Orange Mill Road at Owens Store Road around 2 p.m. Nov. 27.
According to authorities, four teens were in the car. Authorities said a 17-year-old sitting in the front seat was killed in the crash was declared dead at the scene. The teen's high school, Creekview High School, identified him as Stephen Smith, a senior.
The 17-year-old driver and a 17-year-old back-seat passenger were seriously hurt and transported to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. A 15-year-old, also riding in the backseat, sustained minor injuries and was taken to the same hospital.
Authorities have still not released the names of the driver and other passengers at this time, though school officials, through Facebook, identified one of those students hurt as Chase Burr in an effort to "eliminate rumors."
According to the pose, Burr is in the ICU with lacerations, a broken wrist, other fractures and bruised lungs.
The accident is still under investigation.
In a letter to parents from Creekview's principal informing parents of the situation, Dr. Mark Merges wrote that the school community is "very saddened over the loss."
He went on to remember the 17-year-old Smith as an "energetic student who was known as a friend to all."
"He always came to class in a good mood with a smile on his face," Merges said. "He was always willing to help out classmates and loved Track and Field especially the jumping events."
On Facebook, the Track and Field Team shared a photo of Smith, writing, "Rest easy, Stevie. We will miss your amazing smile, sweet spirit and bouncing steps!"
Merges said the school would make counselors available to the students to provide support to those grieving.
The statement concluded by extending their "sincerest commitment to providing an environment of academic and personal growth" of the students.
"We will stick together and help each other to get through this very sad and difficult time," Merges ended.