Police: Driver, 16, involved in fatal Carlsbad crash was on a provisional license

The teen who was behind the wheel of an SUV that overturned in Carlsbad early Wednesday, June 24, killing another teen and injuring seven others, was driving on a provisional license, police said Thursday, June 25.

A provisional driver’s license does not allow minors to drive passengers under age 20 unless a licensed parent, guardian or other adult is riding in the vehicle. Minors on a provisional license also are prohibited from driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

The provisions are in place for 12 months after the license is issued. Certain exceptions allow minors to drive an immediate family member or to drive alone overnight.

The crash occurred about 2:20 a.m. on Carlsbad Village Drive near Valley Street when the 16-year-old driver lost control of the 1999 Toyota 4Runner, police said.

“The vehicle was probably traveling a little too fast, (and) the driver overcorrected and flipped the SUV multiple times,” police Lt. Christie Calderwood said Wednesday, June 24.

Eight teens had piled into the 4Runner, which seats five. Riding in the trunk area along with others was Jack Munday, 16, who died. He was remembered as a kind and loving boy and a “big brother” to two siblings.

Jack Munday, 16.

(Courtesy of family friend Ashley Harris)

“(He) loved surfing and baseball and having fun with his friends,” family friend Ashley Harris said. “Just like all our kids.”

The seven other teens suffered injuries that ranged from minor to severe and were taken to hospitals. Police said it was unknown how many were wearing seat belts.

Police said alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the crash and that the driver was cooperating in the investigation.

Calderwood said Thursday, June 25, that officers still needed to inspect the 4Runner, review pending autopsy and test results, and re-interview the seven teens who survived. She said investigators will send a report to the county District Attorney’s Office for prosecutors to review and decide whether to file charges.

--David Hernandez and Karen Kucher are reporters for The San Diego Union-Tribune