Former Indy Student died in Critz Lane crash

Austin Oppelt, 18, died yesterday afternoon in a one-car crash on Critz Lane in Thompson’s Station.

The recent Independence High School graduate was traveling west cresting the hill at Clayton Arnold Road, when he lost control, crossed the yellow line and left the road. His BMW hit a ditch and, flipping several times, went through some small trees, and a fence, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s preliminary report.

Oppelt’s passenger, 18-year-old Andrew Tidwell was injured, also, in the crash. Both were wearing seatbelts and there is not sign of drugs or alcohol.

Oppelt is the fifth Williamson County teenager to die in a car crash since November. In response to the recent driving deaths, Williamson County Schools has started a safe driving task force.

The Home Page will update this story with more information as it becomes available.