Report: Speed played role in deadly Princeton crash

A preliminary report shows that speed played a part in a deadly crash Sept. 18 that claimed the lives of a Princeton High School student and his friend.

Investigators estimate the Saturn carrying Brandon Baker, 21, and Matthew Stewart, 17, was traveling at about 70 mph when the driver lost control and crossed into oncoming traffic on Fellowship Church Road.

Baker and Stewart were killed. Two other Princeton students were injured. The driver of the car, Nathan Pearson, 17, was in good condition at WakeMed Tuesday. The other passenger, Codie McConnell, 17, was in fair condition.

The driver of the other vehicle, Rosa Wilson, 80, was in serious condition Tuesday at Duke Hospital.

The State Highway Patrol was consulting with the district attorney about the crash, but no charges had been filed against Pearson.