Two teens killed when car hits tree in Wash. Co.

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ore. - Two 18-year-olds were killed Saturday night when the car they were in ran off a Washington County road and struck a tree, authorities said.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office identified the deceased as Grant Knighton of Cornelius and Gabriel Darrah of Aloha.

According to the sheriff's office, Knighton was driving a 2005 gold-colored Toyota Camry at a high speed on Southwest Laurel Road when he lost control about 11 p.m. near the intersection with Southwest 329th Terrace.

A passerby reported the crash, which occurred near the Laurel community; both teens were pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff's office said.

Investigators believe speed was a factor in causing the wreck, but they were still investigating Sunday night.

Knighton's father, Paul, told KATU the teens were heading home from a friend's house when the wreck occurred. The teen had already graduated from Pioneer Heritage Academy, a small private school, and was attending Portland Community College, his father said.

The teen, who was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, had saved up money from a job washing windows to pay for a mission he was preparing to go on, his father said. 

Darrah's father told KATU his son was about to graduate from Aloha High School on Tuesday. The teen was active in water polo and was also a member of the Mormon Church.

Both teens were Eagle Scouts, their fathers said.

We will update this story as we confirm more information.