A 22-year-old from Cape Elizabeth, Maine, was killed Sunday in a crash in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he was attending college.
Keegan McKenney, a senior member of the swim team at Queens University of Charlotte, was a passenger in a BMW M3 that went off the road around 2:15 a.m. and struck a tree in the 1400 block of Queens Road West in Charlotte, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. All occupants, who were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash, had to be removed from the car by Charlotte Fire Department crews. They were then taken to local hospitals, where McKenney was pronounced dead.
McKenney, a graduate of Cape Elizabeth High School, is being remembered by his collegiate swimming program as “a cherished teammate and friend,” as well as a member of the Queens family whose impact will never be forgotten.
“Forever a Royal,” the university wrote on Facebook. “Our thoughts are with all who knew and loved him during this incredibly difficult time.”
It’s unclear what caused the deadly crash. Police said further investigation will be needed to determine if impairment, or speed, was a factor in this incident. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information that could help detectives is asked to contact police at 704-432-2169, extension 4.