Poway HS Grad Killed in SR-56 Head-on Crash

Officials have identified the man killed Thursday in a head-on collision along State Route 56

Officials have identified the man killed Thursday in a head-on collision along State Route 56.

Nick Hart, 22, graduated from Poway High school where he competed on the Titans wrestling team.

Hart was driving a Scion westbound on SR-56 around 9:30 a.m. Thursday when the teenage driver of a Land Rover traveling in the opposite direction lost control, crossed the center median and drifted into oncoming traffic.

On Friday afternoon, the county's medical examiner identified Hart as the victim in the fatal collision.

Poway High School administrators confirmed Hart was a 2009 graduate and was a member of the school’s wrestling team.

NBC 7 San Diego has learned that Hart worked at the Trader Joe's in Scripps Ranch for about a year.

Manager John Harcharik said he and other employees were shocked to hear the news. He was always smiling, Harcharik said. In fact, some gave him the nickname β€˜Smiley’ his boss said.

β€œHe was always there to lift you up,” Harcharik said.

He worked as a crew member, which basically means he did it all the store manager said.

The other driver, 18-year-old Timothy Barnette, was injured in the crash.

California Highway Patrol officers say Barnette was believed to be impaired at the time of the collision. Officials say they're awaiting toxicology results before making a decision on whether to file charges.

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