FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County sheriff's officials say two teens have been charged in a wreck that killed a 17-year old.
According to investigators, excessive speed and alcohol played a part in a crash that killed Louis Castell, 17. Castell was not restrained and died from his injuries after being thrown from a truck, Forsyth County deputies say.
Castell was a student at North Forsyth High School. Friends say he was a lacrosse player and an avid outdoorsman.
"He was the kind of guy who never stopped giving," said Abby Speer. "He loved everyone and he was friends with so many people."
Castell was killed in what Forsyth County deputies are calling a drunk driving accident on Kelly Mill Road.
The driver, 17-year-old Adam Di Millo, was charged with first-degree homicide by vehicle, DUI and underage possession/consumption of alcohol. In court on Monday, Di Millo told the judge he understood the charges against him and the judge issued a $19,965 bond with conditions.
Jeremiah Luke Funke, 18, was also charged in the incident after authorities investigated further. According to sheriff’s officials, a search of Funke’s home yielded information about a party that had occurred there involving nearly 60 teenagers. After the search, Funke was charged with possession of marijuana less than an ounce, possession/consumption of alcohol by a minor and maintaining a disorderly charge. He was released from the Forsyth County Detention Center on a $2,365, sheriff’s officials said.
Further charges may follow as the investigation continues. Investigators are looking into how the alcohol was obtained and brought into the residence, according to sheriff’s officials.
Brianna Wadsworth says she is close to Di Millo and was with him at a friend's bonfire party just before the accident.
"He's a nice guy with a big heart," she said. "(Di Millo) didn't mean for this to happen. It's sad that it did, though."
Investigators say Di Millo was unable to handle the curve at Rockingham Run and his truck left the roadway. They say his truck sideways across the sidewalk and into the grass. At that point, the rear passenger door hit a telephone pole causing Castell to be ejected and killed.
Friends say Castell lost his mother to cancer just a year ago.
"His sister and his dad are the strongest people I've met in my lifetime," said Speer.
Friends say they are taking a lesson from this tragedy.
"Not to drive drunk and not to get in the car with anyone who's been drinking," said Ben Fisher.
"It's not worth it," said Wadsworth. "Now, Adam has to face this and Louis' family and all of his close friends have to face this."
Investigators say there were three other passengers in the truck including rear seat passenger Delton Cook, 18, of Cumming. There was another rear seat passenger, a 15-year-old boy, and a 17-year-old boy in the front seat.
All of them were taken to North Fulton Hospital with non-life threatening injuries and have since been released.