18-year-old charged in crash that killed three young passengers last fall in Shawano County

TOWN OF BELLE PLAINE (AP) — A teenage driver involved in a crash that killed three young passengers last fall in Shawano County is facing criminal charges.

Prosecutors say 18-year-old Ryan Swadner, of Clintonville, was under the influence of a controlled substance when he lost control of his vehicle in Belle Plaine and collided with an SUV in October 2014. Fifteen-year-old Paige Brunette, 17-year-old Cody Borsche and 18-year-old Tyler Welch died in the crash.

Swadner was charged Monday, April 13th with eight felony counts, including reckless homicide and homicide by use of a vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance. He was also charged with three misdemeanors, including possession of marijuana.

He was due in court Monday afternoon. Court records do not list a defense attorney.