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The Saratoga County incident happened at around 8:45 p.m. Saturday, June 29, in the town of Waterford.
Police said Everhett Hatlee, of Troy, was driving a Dodge Charger on Fonda Road when he lost control and rolled his vehicle near White Street.
The crash killed 14-year-old Kiera Ebert and seriously injured her 16-year-old brother. Both teens were passengers in the vehicle.
An investigation found that Hatlee was impaired by marijuana at the time, police said. He was arrested on suspicion of the following:
- Two counts of vehicular manslaughter (felony)
- Endangering the welfare of a child (misdemeanor)
- Aggravated DWI with child less than 16 (felony)
- Operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs (misdemeanor)
- Reckless driving (misdemeanor)
Meanwhile, relatives continue to post tributes to Ebert, who was looking forward to starting high school in the fall and was involved in band and choir, her father James told News10.
"Such a young, beautiful, happy soul with the most contagious laugh," Krystal Carbonneau wrote on Facebook. "You brought so much joy and happiness to everyone around you."
Ebert's father also revealed that her brother, who was seated in the back seat, suffered broken ribs and a collapsed lung in the crash and remains in serious condition at Albany Medical Center.
“The act of leaving your home and returning safely is an underrated blessing that many take for granted,” Gary Carbonneau wrote on a GoFundMe campaign to help the family with growing medical and funeral expenses.
The fundraiser had collected nearly $3,000 as of Tuesday, July 2. Those who wish to donate can do so here.
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