Driver was arrested following the crash near Morro bay on Saturday

ATASCADERO — Reports have been made that an Atascadero teen was killed in a car accident on Highway 41 near Morro Bay on Saturday.

The incident happened just before noon, south of Bear Ridge Road. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the driver of a 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara, identified as Orion Messina (19), also of Atascadero, was heading southbound on the highway.

Messina reportedly told officers he hydroplaned when he entered a right-hand curve. The car then crashed into a hillside and overturned. According to officers, the 16-year-old passenger in the car was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to officers, alcohol appears to be a factor in the crash. While Messina was not injured, a CHP reports shows he was arrested.

Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call the CHP San Luis Obispo office at (805) 594-8700.