Two teens killed, one injured in early morning Lorain crash (UPDATED)

LORAIN — Lorain police are investigating a single-vehicle crash that killed two teens and injured another early Thursday morning. According to a news release from Lorain police, a Chevrolet HHR was traveling west on East 29th Street at a high rate of speed. Around 12:27 a.m., after passing the intersection with Oakwood Avenue, the vehicle lost control and went off the road, striking a tree. Front passenger Shawn Cruz, 15, and back passenger Kendall Snell, 13, both Lorain residents, were pronounced dead at the scene. According to police, it did not appear any of the teens involved were related to one another and it is unclear if they were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. The driver, 16-year-old Steven Billings Jr., of Lorain, was taken to MercyHealth Medical Center. Police said the he didn't have a valid driver's license, and the case will be presented to the Lorain County Prosecutor's Office for evaluation for potential criminal charges. Excessive speed and reckless driving appear to be factors, police said, noting this is the seventh fatal crash in Lorain this year. Anyone with further information on the crash is asked to call Officer Kyle Gelenius at (440) 204-2115. Lorain Schools confirmed Cruz was a current student at Lorain High School, while Snell had previously attended Southview Middle School. Grief support services are available for students and staff.