Passenger who died in downtown crash identified as 16-year-old from Des Moines

The Iowa State Patrol identified a 16-year-old who died in a crash in downtown Des Moines as Chad Nicholson of Des Moines.

Troopers allege the 16-year-old driver of the vehicle Nicholson was riding in sped away from police on Interstate 235 near Keosauqua Way in Des Moines around 1 a.m. Wednesday. The driver exited the highway at 31st Street, went south, and turned east onto Grand Avenue. The trooper slowed down as the fleeing Hyundai sped away and went the wrong way on Grand Avenue, according to the release.

The trooper then came across a crash at Grand Avenue and Seventh Street between the fleeing Hyundai and a Jeep Cherokee. The two people inside the Jeep had minor injuries.

There were five people inside the Hyundai. Four of them ranging in age from 15 to 20 years old had injuries that ranged from minor to severe, including the driver.

Nicholson died on the scene.

The Hyundai was reported stolen. The driver had outstanding warrants for arrest and allegedly had a firearm, the release says.

The Iowa State Patrol has not said if the driver has been charged in the crash, which also damaged the Ruan Center at 666 Grand Ave.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Passenger who died in downtown crash identified as 16-year-old from Des Moines