Clarkstown police said he was in a Mitsubishi Lancer that was being driven by Alan Mendoza, 18, who is accused of driving while intoxicated.
Three vehicles were involved and five people were injured, including a 17-year-old girl who was also in the Lancer and was seriously injured, police said.
The Clarkstown Central School District said all three teenagers are students at Clarkstown North High School. They also attended Rockland BOCES Career and Technical Education Center classes.
"There are no words to express the pain and sense of loss to our community as a beautiful young life was taken from us," the Clarkstown district said in a statement. "Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends."