Sep. 5—The motorist who died in a crash during a police pursuit that began in Decatur and ended near Courtland was a junior at Sparkman High School and a member of the varsity football team, authorities said Tuesday.

Jaiden DeJarnett, 16, of Burwell Spring Lane, was pronounced dead at 3:39 a.m. Monday after the crash on Lawrence County 270, just north of Alabama 20, said Lawrence County Coroner Scott Norwood.

DeJarnett was traveling south on Lawrence 270 and had just come over an elevated portion of the road crossing railroad tracks when the crash occurred, Norwood said. The accident site is between the railroad tracks and Alabama 20.

Decatur police said a patrol officer attempted a traffic stop at 2:40 a.m. Monday for a traffic violation near Beltline Road Southwest/Alabama 67 and Danville Road.

"The driver failed to stop and led officers on a pursuit into Lawrence County," Decatur police. "During the pursuit, the driver lost control of the vehicle and struck a tree. The driver was pronounced deceased on scene."

DeJarnett was driving a Mazda four-door sedan, according to Norwood.

Madison County School System spokesperson Carter Watkins confirmed Tuesday that DeJarnett was a student. DeJarnett also played for the school's varsity football team.

— david.gambino@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2438.