Criminal charges are possible in a Saturday morning car crash that killed 17-year-old Fargo South High School junior Tyler Tweten, a police spokesman said Monday.
Fargo Sgt. Mark Lykken also said the names of the three other teens in the car are not being released because the accident is still under investigation
Police initially said a 16-year-old girl was driving the car that struck a tree at Seventh Street and 11th Avenue North. Tweten was a passenger in the car, as were two other boys ages 17 and 18.
Fargo Public Schools Superintendent Rick Buresh said the students were from both South and North high schools.
"We do have a crisis team at each of our schools," Buresh said. "I would say both schools are in mourning right now."
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Fargo South Principal Todd Bertsch said his school's crisis-planning team met Sunday and put together a statement read by teachers during Period 2 on Monday. The statement reminded students that people grieve differently and support was available.
"It's a sad day, there's no doubt about that, given the loss of Tyler," Bertsch said. "It's a sad day."
Bertsch remembers "a very happy young man" who was a talented artist.
"He could create wonderful things through his drawings," Bertsch said.
At North High, Principal Andy Dahlen said several students who knew Tweten stayed home Monday or saw counselors while others attended their usual classes.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Tyler's family and friends," Dahlen said.
Immediately following the crash, Tweten, a backseat passenger who wore his seatbelt, got out of the car and stood before collapsing, said his mother, Michelle Tweten.
The driver, Tweten and the 18-year-old male were taken to nearby Sanford Hospital, where Tweten died of his injuries, police said.
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The third boy fled the scene, but police tracked him down and his mother took him to Sanford. He did not appear to be injured, police said.
Funeral services for Tweten will be 1 p.m. Friday at Nativity Catholic Church in Fargo.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 7, on Thursday at Nativity and one hour before the funeral at the church.
Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo.
Boulger Funeral Home of Fargo is handling arrangements.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Helmut Schmidt at (701) 241-5583
