BATTLE CREEK, MI (WTVB) – Authorities today released the name of a Harper Creek high school student killed in a one car crash yesterday which also critically injured another student from the Battle Creek school. 16-year old Christopher Powell, the driver of the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene.
15-year-old Ethan Surprenant suffered extensive injuries and was admitted to Bronson Hospital. The two were best friends and student athletes at Harper Creek. They were returning home after an overnight stay in Coldwater when Powell lost control of his P.T. Cruiser on Verona Road near 11 mile road and struck a tree just before 8 a.m. Sunday.
Emmet Township Public Safety says the investigation is ongoing and that autopsy results along with toxicology and blood work may take up to 3 weeks or more to get back. Public Safety said right now, they are not ruling out any possibilities and will continue to search for answers into the cause of the crash.
Harper Creek High school provided grief counseling and a schduled a debriefing for students today and tomorrow.
