ST. LOUIS — Interstate 70 was closed in both directions for several hours Wednesday morning after a deadly crash.
The crash happened just after 1:30 a.m. Wednesday on eastbound I-70 at Carrie Avenue, according to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. At the scene, 5 On Your Side saw debris from the crash littering the interstate.
Investigators said an Infinity M35 was traveling on I-70 at a high rate of speed. The driver was changing lanes when he lost control of the car and crashed into the center median. Police said the car then hit a Missouri Department of Transportation signage pole and split into parts. The occupants were ejected.
The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. On Wednesday afternoon, he was identified as 17-year-old Isaac Harper, a junior at Vashon High School.
Wednesday evening, 5 On Your Side's Robert Townsend spoke with Kiana Howard, Harper's mother.
Harper's grief-stricken mom and family said they are devastated. They are also “speechless” after hearing about what happened to Harper, his girlfriend and his friend.
Harper's sister said at about 11 p.m. Tuesday night, her brother texted her and said, “I’m on my way home, unlock the door." But the teenager never made it. Police said the crash happened about two and a half hours later.
Harper’s family said they were told the three teens were riding in Harper's friend’s car. They said Harper's girlfriend told them that initially, "Harper’s friend was driving the car, but then when traffic backed up, Harper and his friend switched seats, and Harper was driving at the time of the crash."
Loved ones said Harper's girlfriend, who is a junior at Sumner High School, sat in the back seat.
Police said Harper was changing lanes when he lost control of the car and hit the center median and a pole. The car split into pieces, and the three teens were thrown from the car.
"To see him ... talk to him ... hold him ... scream at him. It's over," Howard said. "I just miss my son. I won't be able to see him again."
Harper’s mother also said another friend of her son’s told them that the car the teens were in "had been malfunctioning all day, starting and picking up speed.”
According to police, the age of the second passenger is unknown.
Police said the second passenger is in critical condition. Harper’s family said as of Wednesday night, the second passenger is “unable to talk” due to his injuries. Harper's girlfriend is in stable condition.
As of about 4:45 a.m. Wednesday, westbound lanes of I-70 at Carrie Avenue had reopened, according to the MoDOT. All lanes on I-70 were reopened by about 5:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Accident reconstruction was requested, police said.
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