A 14-year-old boy who was sitting in the bed of a pickup truck was killed after the driver failed to negotiate a curve and ran into a ditch, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. 

The crash occurred on Old State Road 8 and Henry Drive, in Highlands County at about 2:15 a.m. Saturday. 

Troopers said the 17-year-old driver of a 2000 Ford Ranger had failed to negotiate a left-hand curve, and in doing so, traveled off the roadway and into a ditch. The vehicle overturned and came to a final rest against a tree line.

Andrew Warren Stephens, 14, was riding in the bed of the truck. He died at the scene, according to the report. 

The driver, whose name we have withheld, was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Another passenger, a 15-year-old girl, suffered only minor injuries, troopers said.

Investigators have not determined whether alcohol was a factor in the crash.

Further information was not immediately available.