16-year-old driver died in fiery car crash in North Columbia

The driver who died in a fiery early morning wreck Sunday in North Columbia was identified as a 16-year-old Columbia resident.

Officials reported the Skylar R. Hillary, 16, of Haverford Drive was heading north in a Toyota Avalon on the 3900 block of Clement Road around 12:25 a.m. when he ran off the side of the road to the right and struck several trees.

The vehicle then caught fire.

When first responders arrived, Hillary was dead.

Richland County Coroner Gary Watts said an autopsy performed Sunday indicated Hillary died from blunt force injuries to his torso.

The Columbia Police Department and S.C. Highway Patrol continue to investigate this wreck.