A recent graduate of Merrimack Valley High School died in a one-car crash Friday night on Kearsarge Valley Road in Wilmot.

Joshua Wilterdink, 18, of Andover suffered critical injuries after his car veered off the right side of the road and struck a tree. The state police responded to the accident at 10:07 p.m., and members of the Wilmot and New London Fire Departments performed lifesaving measures.

Wilterdink died later at New London Hospital. The state police said Wilterdink had been traveling north on Kearsarge Valley Road and tried to negotiate a corner. He left the roadway and struck a tree, causing extensive damage to the vehicle. The state police believe speed was a factor in the crash.

Wilterdink and his family moved from Naugatuck, Conn., to Andover in 2007. He was a black belt in karate and an Eagle Scout, and he volunteered at a nursing home in Naugatuck. He planed on attending New Hampshire Technical Institute this fall and hoped to open a bar and grill in the state.

Calling hours will be Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Bennett Funeral Home, with a brief service to follow at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Josh Wilterdink Summer Camp Scholarship Fund, Troop 138, c/o St. Michael's Church, 210 Church Street, Naugatuck, Conn., 06770.