Motorcyclist Killed In North Austin Crash Identified

AUSTIN, TX — Police on Thursday identified the motorcyclist who was killed after crashing while traveling at a high rate of speed in North Austin.

The incident occurred on Monday, Nov. 18, at around 7:05 p.m. along the 5800 block of Burnet Road. Police said Matthew James Almasi, 26, was traveling in a blue, 2009 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle at a high rate of speed as a gold, 1997 Honda Odyssey minivan was traveling southbound in the inside lane. The driver of minivan tried making a left-hand turn when the two vehicles collided.

Almasia, who was not wearing a helmet or other protective gear, was thrown from the motorcycle upon impact with the minivan, police said. He was rushed to Dell Seton Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries at 8:30 p.m.

The driver of the minivan, who was not injured in the crash, remained on scene to cooperate with a police investigation. He was issued a traffic citation for fail to yield right of way, police said. The passenger in the van was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

The incident marked the 74th fatal traffic crash in Austin this year, police said, resulting in 76 fatalities this year. At this time in 2018, police added, there were 66 fatal traffic crashes and 67 traffic fatalities.