A young man lost his life in an accident Thursday morning, just hours after his high school graduation.

Brandon Youpa was behind the wheel of a vehicle when it went off Mountain Road in Pohatcong Twp., Warren Co., N.J., and struck a tree shortly after 7 a.m., police said.

Youpa, 18, was killed; his 16-year-old passenger was flown to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital with serious injuries, said police, who did not release the surviving victim's name.

According to Youpa's Facebook page, he was a 2012 graduate of Phillipsburg High School, which presented diplomas to seniors Wednesday evening.

Youpa also recently completed his Eagle Scout project by renovating and upgrading the Veterans' Memorial at Riegelsville Union Cemetery in Bucks County, Pa., according to his Boy Scout troop's website. The project included replacing the old flagpole, cleaning the monument, laying a brick walkway and patio, and placing two stone benches at the monument.

The memorial was rededicated the day before Memorial Day.

The accident remains under investigation. Police ask any witnesses to call Det. Ryan Barsony at 908-454-9836.