"He was a kind person:" 28-year-old man killed, his best friend in police custody after crash

MILWAUKEE -- It was foggy, dark and wet on Sunday, December 13th, and the weather caused problems for drivers. Milwaukee County Sheriff's officials were on the scene of dozens of crashes on the freeway system Sunday, and there was a fatal crash in Milwaukee on Sunday night. Authorities believe the weather conditions played a role in this crash -- but that's not all.

The crash occurred near Fond du Lac and Stark Street -- just south of the WIS 145 exit ramp.

It happened around 5:30 p.m.  on Sunday.

Police say a vehicle left the roadway and struck a traffic control signal support pole.

The driver, a 27-year-old Milwaukee man, was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

The passenger, a 28-year-old Milwaukee man, was pronounced dead at the scene. That person has been identified as Everette Mason.

Crash near Fond du Lac and Stark

"They are not holding up too good," Colette Pugh said.

Everette Mason

Pugh says Mason was her nephew. She was in tears as she remembered the 28-year-old, who's life was taken too soon.

"He was a kind person. He never got into any trouble and he always liked talking to people," Pugh said.

On Sunday evening, Mason visited his mother, but he wouldn't make it home.

"His friend had went to pick him up and drop him off," Pugh said.

Police say the two were riding near Fond du Lac and Stark when the vehicle left the roadway, struck a pole and then flipped.

According to a medical examiner's report, although the collision was head-on, no airbags were deployed.

Mason, who wasn't wearing a seatbelt, according to the report, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver, Mason's best friend, was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

Fatal crash near Fond du Lac and Stark

"My heart goes out to his family just as it goes out to my family," Pugh said.

The driver was taken into police custody after the crash because police believe speed, alcohol and weather were all factors in this incident.

Everette Mason

"Whatever was related to it, it was an accident. I don`t think they should charge him with nothing," Pugh said.

But as these family members try to cope, they do have words of advice for others.

"We should like slow down when we are driving and take it easy. Please everyone just drive safe. Buckle up," Pugh said.

Police will present the case against the driver to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office in the coming days.