WETUMPKA , AL : High-speed chase ends in fiery crashy, death on Wednesday, 31st August, 2016

Elmore County Sheriff's Office deputies were involved in a Wednesday morning high speed chase that ended in a fiery crash that left a woman dead.

The chase began just inside Elmore County at the Kowaliga Bridge on Lake Martin at abut 4 a.m., said Sheriff Bill Franklin. Alexander City Police began the pursuit in that city, Franklin said.

The chase in Elmore County covered some 21 miles skirting Wetumpka and ending on Highway 14 East heading toward Tallassee, Franklin said.

Speeds approached more than 90 mph, and the driver of the chased vehicle on several occasions traveled on the wrong side of the road.

The chase ended when the Ford Fusion left the roadway, struck a culvert, became airborne, struck a tree and burst into flames, Franklin said.

"It was like something out of a movie," Franklin said. "Our two deputies were able to break the window on the driver's side and remove the male driver. They also were able to remove the female passenger. But unfortunately she succumbed to her injuries and died at the scene.

"Mr. Phelps told medics at the scene that he had been using heroin and cocaine."

The driver, Wesley Kyle Phelps, 28, of McCalla was originally taken to Baptist Medical Center South then later transferred to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital in serious condition, Franklin said.

The passenger, Melissa New, 28, also of McCalla was pronounced dead at the scene, he said.

The car Phelps was driving was stolen, Franklin said. Charges against him in Elmore County are pending. The case is being investigated by the Alabama State Troopers as a traffic homicide, said District Attorney Randall Houston. Phelps could face criminal charges in New's death, he said.

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High-speed chase ends in fiery crashy, death