An 18-year-old high school senior has died after being seriously injured in a "car surfing" accident earlier this month is the small western Colorado town of Rifle.

Authorities say Kyle R. Scholla was riding on the hood of a moving vehicle driven by a 17-year-old boy when he fell. The accident happened April 1 in a Walmart parking lot, according to Rifle police.

Investigators say the two teens knew each other well.

Garfield County Coroner Rob Glassmire said Tuesday that Scholla's death was an accident caused by injuries he sustained in a fall.

Scholla was flown to St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction where he died Saturday of his injuries, police said in a Tuesday news release.

The teen driver was initially cited with careless driving resulting in injury, but that charge has since been dismissed.

"It doesn't apply anymore," said Sherry Caloia, the 9th Judicial District attorney.

Caloia said she plans to talk with the victim's family and police to determine what charges will be appropriate.

"I'm going to give it a couple of weeks because I understand the family is quite upset this point," she said. "I want to give them some time to process this whole thing."

Police say there was no evidence of any alcohol or drug involvement in the incident.

Scholla played football at Rifle High School where he was a senior, according to the team's Facebook page.


"Although his body passed away, his big smile and spirit lives on forever," his parents said in a statement on the page. "As a parent it's wonderful to watch your child grow and become a good person. So, go hug and tell your children\family\friends you love them everyday. For you never know how long the journey of life will be."

Authorities have not released the teen driver's name.