Teen killed while trying to keep drunken friend from driving, police say

Joseph Ianzano, 19, pronounced dead Sunday

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. – As the first day of school gets underway, schools in Coconut Creek are sending their condolences to the family of a young man who was killed over the weekend.

Joseph Ianzano, 19, was killed late Saturday night while trying to keep an intoxicated friend from driving away.

Ianzano apparently held on to the rear spoiler of the car as his friend tried to leave. Police said the driver struck a tree in the 5300 block of Flamingo Place, causing Ianzano to be thrown from the car.

Ianzano suffered severe head trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene.

On Monday, Coconut Creek High School sent out a tweet in support of the family of Ianzano.

"Two high schools, one city. Our hearts go out to the family of fallen Knight, Joe Ianzano. @MHShighlights @Jneer @MHSSADD."

Monarch High School's Students Against Destructive Decisions program also tweeted "We r saddened 2 hear that we have lost a fellow knight due 2 the destructive decision of another. R.I.P. Joey Ianzano. We will never 4get u."

The accident remains under investigation.


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Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

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