Teen driver under influence kills his best friend: Police

A 16-year-old girl in Kentucky is facing charges after an ATV collision that resulted in her best friend's death, state authorities report.

The young girl's identity remains confidential as she is underage, but she has been charged with one count of driving under the influence, according to the Perry County Sheriff's Department.

The tragic event claimed the life of 16-year-old Emilynn Clark and seriously hurt one of the other two passengers. 

The accident happened at approximately 9pm on February 28, along Oakwood Avenue in Vicco, an unincorporated area roughly 130 miles southeast of Lexington.

During the occurrence, the vehicle veered off the road and tumbled down an embankment, the sheriff's department stated.

"There are numerous people in pain, including high school students — the entire school and community are grieving the loss of a remarkable young girl," Sheriff Joe Engle from Perry County mentioned during remarks reported by Roanoke, Virginia’s CBS affiliate WDBJ.

The sheriff identified Emilynn's best friend as the individual operating the ATV.

Clark "was best friends with the other young girl who survived, so many people are experiencing intense emotions and heartbreak right now," Engle expressed.

"We suspect that alcohol played a role in this," he added.

Emilynn was warmly remembered in a GoFundMe set up for her funeral costs and to erect a memorial in her memory.

"Everyone who knew her adored her, especially her contagious smile," wrote the teen's uncle on the crowdfunding page. "She delighted in sports, such as volleyball and basketball."

There are multiple aspects to the ongoing inquiry.

Initially, the sheriff's department mentioned that charges are "pending" against two men — both identified as adults — allegedly involved in the incident. This claim was shared in a now-removed Facebook post.

In a subsequent press release, Engle stated he recently convened with the leading prosecutor in the area to discuss the charges and "the Commonwealth’s desired course of action with the evidence presented."