Marc Bathrick | Kelly Brown

Authorities said speeding and alcohol were factors in a Saturday-evening accident that killed two people.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol said Marc Bathrick, 21, of Cary, was driving a Pontiac Grand Prix when he lost control of the vehicle and hit a tree near the intersection of Castleberry and Wimberly roads in Apex.

Bathrick, a former student at Apex High School, was killed along with his 16-year-old girlfriend, Kelly Brown, who was a current student at Apex High.

According to the Highway Patrol, Bathrick was traveling at least 70 mph in a 55 mph zone and a strong odor of alcohol was detected at the accident scene.