KNIGHTDALE An East Wake High School student died Tuesday after the car he was riding in left Puryear Road, struck an embankment and overturned several times. The Highway Patrol said speed was a factor.

Gavin Westover, 16, of 9820 Debnam Road, Zebulon, died at WakeMed on Tuesday, said Becky Scolio, a hospital spokeswoman.

N.C. Highway Patrol Trooper Beckley Vaughan said Westover was a passenger in a car driven by Austin Marx, 17, of 204 Gailridge, Wendell. Marx was treated and released from WakeMed.

“We have information to believe he was traveling 85 to 90 miles an hour,” said Vaughan, “well in excess of the posted speed limit.” The posted speed was 55 miles an hour.

Vaughan said the teens were travelling on Puryear Road about 12:54 p.m. Monday, headed to Taco Bell in Knightdale during a lunch period the school allows away from campus.

Charges are pending, he said.