Updated! Police Say Alcohol May Have Been Involved in Lane Garrison Crash

By Kristin Veitch Dec 03, 2006 11:56 PMTags
Lane GarrisonFox

Updated Dec. 4, 12:10 p.m.

At a press conference less than an hour ago, Beverly Hills police said Prison Break star Lane Garrison (Tweener) was the one at the wheel of his SUV on Saturday night when it crashed into a tree, killing a 17-year-old boy and injuring two teen girls, one critically. Police also said it appeared Garrison, 26, had been drinking.

"Mr. Garrison displayed symptoms of alcohol intoxication, and the investigation into Mr. Garrison's impairment is ongoing," said Lt. Mitch McCann. "In addition to noting Mr. Garrison's symptoms, investigators also removed alcohol containers from the SUV, which was registered to Mr. Garrison."

Garrison suffered minor injuries.

As you may remember from my interview with Garrison in Dallas a few months ago, he told me about his troubled past, which is part of the reason he immediately identified with the role of Tweener. "I read it, [and] I go, 'Oh my gosh, I know this guy.' Growing up here, I was in a lot of trouble. You know, my family situation was not the best environment, and so I became a thief and ended up getting arrested. I was sort of that kid who wanted to find out his identity by lashing out."

Garrison eventually reached out for help. He told People magazine this year about how he left his Texas home as a teenager and moved in with the family minister, who was, interestingly enough, Joe Simpson, father of Jessica. "I'm very grateful to him," Garrison told the magazine.

Jessica Simpson has issued a statement to E! News regarding Lane's crash, which will air tonight at 7 p.m. on E!.

On a personal note, I'd just like to say my thoughts are with everyone involved in this tragedy.