APD identify South Austin crash victim

Austin police have identified the man killed in a car crash on South Mopac on Sunday morning. APD said Michael Louis Distel, 39, was killed after his car, traveling southbound on Mopac, struck a large pole.

According to police, they are still investigating the crash and do not know why Distel lost control of his car.

APD said this is the 37th fatal crash and fatality of the year. This time last year there were 57 traffic fatalities in Austin.

Austin Police are investigating a fatal crash in South Austin. Officers say it happened around 2:30 Sunday morning in the southbound lanes of Mopac. 

The driver of a Mazda lost control and left the highway crashing into a pole in the median. He did not survive the crash. There was only one vehicle involved. 

"At this point in the investigation we are looking into what role, if any alcohol may have played. We know speed was involved due to the damage. I would encourage everyone to watch their speed and be careful when you are driving on our freeways. Speed will get you in trouble," said Sgt. Don Doyle with the Austin Police Department. 

The man is in his 40s. Police are working to notify his family before releasing his name.