An Arvada teenager has been charged with criminally negligent homicide for his part in a “skitching” death.
The 16-year-old Ralston Valley High School student on Feb. 25 was driving a Ford Mustang and towing another teen, who was riding a skateboard while holding onto the side of the car.
The 16-year-old skateboard rider, Ryan Bailey, lost his grip and was hit by the Mustang.
Bailey, who was not wearing a helmet, later died of his injuries.
It was the second skitching death in Arvada in a four-month period, according to Arvada police.
On Oct. 5, Austin Ayers, 17, died from injuries he suffered in a skitching incident in the 6500 block of Oak Street.
“We strongly encourage parents to talk to their teens about the danger this activity presents,” said Jefferson County District Attorney Scott Storey. “This is a tragedy, and it affects everyone in the community.”
The teen driver in last month’s accident, who was not identified by prosecutors, has his first court appearance March 25.
Kieran Nicholson: 303-954-1822 or knicholson@denverpost.com
