Man With Rochester Address Identified as Victim in Fatal Austin, MN Crash

Austin, MN (KROC-AM News)- Authorities in Austin say a man with a Rochester address lost his life in a crash early Thursday morning. 

Read More: Fatal Crash Prompts Road Closure in Austin

A news release issued by the Austin Police Department says officers were called to the scene of a single-vehicle crash shortly after 3:15 a.m.

The driver was the only occupant in the vehicle.

Get our free mobile app

21-Year-Old Man Dies After Striking Railroad Bridge Pillar in Austin, MN

Police say a Silver Ford Fusion passenger car had struck the center pillar of a railroad bridge that passes over the top of Oakland Pl. SE. 

The railroad overpass is between 10th and 11th Streets SE. The one-block stretch Oakland Pl. SE was closed during the investigation early Thursday morning.

See Also: Man in Crisis Taken to Hospital After Armed Standoff in Rochester 

A preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle struck the pillar at a high rate of speed. Law enforcement did not find any evidence of braking or evasive maneuvers, the news release says.

Driver Identified

Authorities identified the motorist as 21-year-old William Jolan Wyche. He has a Florida driver’s license but his last known address was in Rochester, the news release says. 

Police say Wyche was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The Minnesota State Patrol and Austin Police Department are investigating the fatal crash. Mayo Clinic Ambulance and the Austin Fire Department also responded to the scene.