BOULDER, Colo. -- Boulder police are trying to determine if alcohol and speed played a role in the death of a 19-year-old University of Northern Colorado student.

Tori Lynn Reiss was killed when the car that she was in slammed into a tree in the 5200 block of Cypress Drive early Monday morning. Police say Reiss and the 17-year-old male driver had left a party, just after 2 a.m., when he appeared to have lost control of his silver Lexus on a curve, police said.

Reiss died at the scene.

The teen driver tried to run away from the scene when he spotted police but was caught by officers in the 700 block of Crescent Drive, police said.

Reiss was attending UNC and was home in Boulder on summer break.

Reiss' best friend's father stopped by the crash site Monday evening to pay respect. Colby Geolfos said that unfortunately, crashes like this with teens are too common.

"They don't think of this right here," said Geolfos, pointing to the memorial at the base of the tree. "They think of the fun and the parties, but all they got to do is stay out of the car and call their parents. I am sure they would come and get them. People just don't figure it out."

If it's determined that the 17-year-old driver was drinking, Boulder police said they plan on investigating who gave the minor alcohol. That person could also face criminal charges.

Both teens were said to be partying at at least one home before the crash. Officers have searched two homes -- one in the 1500 block of Bradley Drive and the other in the 1000 block of Vivian Circle. Detectives said they have experienced varying levels of cooperation from adults and teens at those homes.

The driver was transported to Boulder Community Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. His name has not been released because he is a juvenile.