Fremont Teen Dead in Crash; Friend Arrested on Manslaughter, DUI Charges

Updated 12:45 p.m.

A Fremont teenager was killed in a car crash and his friend arrested early Sunday morning in what authorities believe to be a drunken driving case, Fremont police said.

According to the Argus, the victim was 17-year-old independent study student Jason Park. He was in the front passenger seat of a newer model Nissan Exterra when it crashed near the intersection of Durham Road and Paseo Padre Parkway around 1 a.m. The SUV veered off the road, striking a rock and two trees before Park, who was wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two driver and rear passenger, both 17-year-old students at Mission San Jose High School, were also injured in the crash, the Argus reports.

While the investigation is still ongoing, police said Monday that alcohol was "a major factor" in the collision.

The driver, whose identity was not released, was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and drunken driving after being treated from his injuries.

"Our Department is deeply saddened by the circumstances that led to this collision," Fremont police said in a statement. "This event will likely have a long lasting effect on our community. Our thoughts go out to the victims, their families and members of our community who have been personally affected by this tragedy."

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