Teen Cheyenne Sauls Killed In Crash; 17-Year-Old Driver Charged With DUI

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. -- Douglas County authorities said they are investigating a crash that killed one teenager and injured several others. The teenage driver has been charged with DUI in the crash.

GA Daily News reporter George Howell spoke with police, who said three of the teens involved in the crash are students at Alexander High School in Douglas County. The 16-year-old girl who was killed, Cheyanne Sauls, attended Villa Rica High School. A fourth teenage passenger fled the scene on foot, police said.

Howell spoke with the parent of one of the teenage passengers.

Jason Lark Charged with DUI

”It’s a call that no parents wants to get. It’s the dreaded call, said parent Trina Coss.

Coss said she has been at her son’s side at Grady Memorial Hospital since getting the call from police Saturday moing.

Taylor Coss, 19, was one of four teenage passengers riding with 17-year-old Jason Lark. Lark has been charged with DUI.

”There’s a mixture of emotions: fear, anger, scared and relieved at the same time, said Trina Coss.

Taylor Coss is recovering from serious injuries from the accident.

Investigators said the driver lost control of his Chevrolet Blazer on a curve. The SUV flipped several times before slamming into a U-Haul truck, police said.

Sauls, 16, and Jamie McManis, 15, were both ejected from the SUV. Sauls died at Grady Hospital on Saturday. Police said one teenager fled the scene after the crash. Lark also suffered serious injuries. 

”They had been at a friend’s house and they were actually on their way to retu my son to his truck, because I do have a set curfew for him to be home, which is 2 a.m., said Coss.  

Trina Coss said investigators told her that her son was wearing his seat belt. She said doctors said her son had not been drinking.

”They were less than 10 houses away from my son’s vehicle when the accident happened, said Coss.

Trina Coss said McManis’ parents were also at Grady Hospital as their daughter recovered from surgery.

Police said they expect to charge Lark with vehicular homicide.

The crash remains under investigation.