MARION COUNTY, Fla. -- Two 18-year-olds were killed Sunday morning during a high-speed chase with a Marion County Sheriff's Office deputy, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

According to a FHP report, James K. Van Wagner lost control of the 1999 Chevrolet Camaro that he was driving when he came upon slower traffic on County Road 329. The vehicle, which was fleeing from the deputy, veered onto a shoulder and collided with a pole and several trees. The car overturned, and both Van Wagner and his passenger, Brandon Cordwin, were ejected.

The car traveled more than 250 feet before coming to a stop.

Cordwin and Van Wagner were both pronounced dead on the scene.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office said the pursuit began when a deputy saw the Camaro "reckless driving." Another deputy reported seeing the Camaro, turned his siren lights on and proceeded to pursue the Camaro. The deputy said the vehicle got so far ahead, he lost sight of it until he came upon the accident scene.

The Gainesville Sun reported the two victims were students at Sante Fe College and were 2009 graduates of North Marion High School in Citra.