Teen Killed in Tulare County Crash

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An early morning crash Friday killed a Springville teenager, and officers believe alcohol is to blame.

The California Highway Patrol says 22-year-old Robert Van Winkle was driving a 2003 Ford Truck northbound, along Balch Park Road northeast of Springville, around 1:45 a.m. His brother, 17-year-old Jacob Van Winkle, and 18-year-old Justin Adams were passengers in the truck. Officers believe Van Winkle had been drinking alcohol and lost control of the truck. It crashed into a tree.

The younger Van Winkle was killed at the scene, and Adams was airlifted to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno with moderate injuries.

Robert Van Winkle was taken to Sierra View District Hospital in Porterville for treatment of minor injuries. He was later arrested and booked into the Tulare County Jail on two counts: Drunk Driving and Vehicular Manslaughter. His bail is set at $100,000.

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