Teenager dies Sunday, car flies through the air in accident in Bethalto

Drew Abernathy, 18, a graduate of Civic Memorial High School in Bethalto, was dead when officers found him at the scene of the crash, police said.

Abernathy was alone in the car at the time of the accident and no other cars were involved, according to a written statement from police.

“The investigation revealed that the vehicle, a red Dodge Avenger, was traveling southbound on East Airline at a high rate of speed when it struck the embankment at Butcha Road,” the police statement said. “This caused the vehicle to be thrown into the air and land approximately 100 feet south of the intersection.”

The Madison County Coroner was called to the scene.

More information may come to light as the investigation continues. This story will be updated with the latest information as it becomes available.