Norwell teen charged in deadly crash

Norwell police said a Chrysler Pacifica driven by 18-year-old William Ecclestone crashed on Prospect Street, landing on its roof, at 9:25 p.m. The car struck a tree before rolling over, causing major damage to the passenger side, police said.

Ecclestone crawled out of the wreck and suffered minor injuries, police said. His passenger, Ryan O’Donnell of Norwell, was taken to South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, where he died a short time later.

Ecclestone has been charged with motor vehicle homicide, operating under the influence of alcohol, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, and a marked lanes violation. He was ordered held on $10,000 cash bail yesterday.

Craig Rumble, 19, of Norwell said he was good friends with both teenagers.

“Ryan was hands down the funniest person I had in my life,’’ Rumble said. “His humor and personality clinged to me like Velcro.

“I remember the day Ryan came home from a monthlong summer camp down the Cape, and he ran up to both me, Bill, and a few other friends and gave us all hugs, which showed how much he missed us while he was gone. I will never forget that moment.’’

O’Donnell was a freshman at Dean College in Franklin and was beginning his spring break when the accident occurred.

A college spokeswoman said the school community was saddened by the loss of one of its students. Administrators will be meeting to discuss counseling and whether to hold a memorial service when students return next week.

Norwell officers who investigated the crash said that they detected an odor of alcohol on Ecclestone’s breath and that his eyes were glassy and bloodshot.

“He was given the opportunity to take some field sobriety tests, which police determined he failed,’’ Norwell police said in the statement.

Calls to Ecclestone’s home were not returned last night.

Ecclestone and O’Donnell graduated from Norwell High School last year. Grief counselors were on hand there for students.

“It’s a tragedy,’’ said Donald J. Beaudette, Norwell school superintendent.

“It’s something that all educators and parents fear, and we certainly hope that, in such a tragic accident, that some good can come out of it as a warning to teach students to make responsible decisions.’’

Ecclestone remained in custody at the Plymouth County Correctional Facility late last night, Sheriff’s Department officials said.

If he posts bail, he will have to submit to daily alcohol tests and attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings regularly.

John M. Guilfoil can be reached at jguilfoil@globe.com.