Few answers in crash that split car, killed 2 Delaware men on Christmas Eve

Police are still puzzled by a Ridley Township, Pennsylvania, crash that killed two Delaware men on Christmas Eve. 

Detective Sgt. Bill Henderson said it still has not been determined if 19-year-old Alexander Gray and 18-year-old Christian Bauerle were wearing seatbelts when their car struck a utility pole and split in two. 

Gray was driving, Henderson said.

For unknown reasons, the Honda sedan was traveling an estimated 60 to 70 miles per hour in an area with a speed limit of 35 mph. 

"We have no idea why," Henderson said. "The road was wet at that time, too." 

Henderson said there was very little traffic at the time of the crash. There was one witness — a medic, according to media reports — who said he saw the car fly past him going in the other direction. 

There was a shower of sparks when the Honda hit the utility pole, Henderson said. 

The car was torn in half and the pole snapped in two. Both teens were killed instantly. 

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Henderson said police are now reviewing security footage of the crash from a nearby bank. More answers may hinge on a toxicology report from the medical examiner's office, which could take several more weeks. 

Topanga Pierce, who used to date Bauerle and had a son with him, said Bauerle and Gray had been friends for years. 

"He was an amazing person," she said. "Always put others' feelings before his, did whatever he could to make anyone and everyone happy. Alex and him went to school together and met in sixth grade I believe." 

The two went to St. Elizabeth School in Wilmington, according to Fox29. Gray was home on winter break from West Virginia University this month. 

It's unclear what the two men were doing in Ridley Township. Pierce said they rarely drove up there, unless they were going to see a concert. 

"I wish I knew, cause I need some answers," she said. "I need closure." 

Pierce had been friends with Baurle since she was just 10 years old. Their son's name is Noah. He is only 18 months old. 

"He’s been the love of my life since I was 13," she said. "I just thank God that he gave me the greatest blessing anyone could ever give, our son.

"Christian was such an amazing dad and loved his son so much. Ask anyone, everyone could see it. He was younger than I was but he was more ready to have a baby. He was my rock through everything and a piece of my soul will forever be gone with him."

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Contact Jessica Bies at (302) 324-2881 or jbies@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @jessicajbies.