Teen driver killed after truck crashes into tree in Chester County

A 17-year-old Lewisville High senior died late Tuesday after crashing his truck into a tree.

William Cory Abernathy of Edgemoor was killed instantly in the crash, said Chester County Coroner Terry Tinker.

Abernathy worked in Rock Hill. He took a friend to get his car and was on the way home at the time of the crash, Tinker said.

“The weather conditions probably had a lot to do with it,” Tinker said.

Chester County school officials released the following statement with permission from the teen’s family:

“Cory was a senior who loved the outdoors, working hard, and spending time with his family and friends. He was a man’s man who had learned the love of welding at the Chester County Career Center and had plans to pursue this career field after graduation. He was part of a fine group of our young men who loved his country and loved to fly the American flag on their trucks. His sweet smile, easygoing manner, and warm personality will surely be missed by his friends and faculty at Lewisville High School. Our condolences go out to his family. Arrangements will be announced later.”

The crash happened about 11:35 p.m. on Gaston Farm, according to Lance Cpl. Gary Miller, a Highway Patrol spokesman. Abernathy was driving a 2000 Ford F-150 east on Gaston Farm Road when the vehicle went off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree.

Abernathy was wearing a seat belt, Miller said. There were no other vehicles involved, and the crash remains under investigation.

This story was originally published December 2, 2015 at 7:34 AM with the headline "Teen driver killed after truck crashes into tree in Chester County."