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Creekview High student killed in crash | What we know

The Cherokee So. Sheriff's Office is still investigating the crash and said charges are likely.

A community is mourning the death of a Creekview High student who died in a car crash Tuesday.

Authorities pronounced Stephen "Stevie" Smith, the 17-year-old front passenger, dead at the scene.

Here's what we know about the deadly wreck.

WHERE IT HAPPENED

Authorities said the crash happened on Old Orange Mill Road at Owens Store Road around 2 p.m. on  Nov. 27 in Cherokee County.

WHO WAS INJURED 

Three other teens were in the car with Smith with the crash happened, authorities said. 

The 17-year-old driver, Fred Engamba and 17-year-old back-seat passenger, Chase Burr, 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. 

RELATED17-year-old killed, 3 other teens injured in Cherokee County crash

At last check, the school posted on Creekview Track & Field's Facebook page that Burr would most likely be in ICU for at least the next five days. He suffered a broken wrist, a few fractures, and bruised lungs. 

Deputies said the other two are now out of the hospital.

THE INVESTIGATION

According to the Cherokee's Sheriff's Office, speed could have been a factor in the crash.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for the blood of Engamba, the driver. Although charges are likely, authorities said they will wait until they complete their investigation and receive the toxicology results before determining what charges to file.

HOW THE SCHOOL IS RESPONDING

On Tuesday, school officials sent a letter to parents to inform them about the crash. The principal, Dr. Mark Merges said the school would make counselors available to the students to provide support to those grieving. 

Creekview's basketball game against Sequoyah was canceled Tuesday night.

MORE: Teen killed in crash remembered as 'energetic' and 'a friend to all'

REMEMBERING STEVIE

Principal Mark Merges described Smith as a student who always came to class in a good mood and wearing a smile.

“He was always willing to help out classmates and loved Track and Field especially the jumping events,” Merges said.

The track team asked others to wear red in his honor. 

Rest easy, Stevie. We will miss your amazing smile, sweet spirit, and bouncing steps!

The track and field Facebook page shared two fundraiser pages online - one for the Burr family and another that will go toward a memorial fund for Smith.

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