NEW GLOUCESTER – State police have identified the driver who died in a Pond Road crash about 6:20 p.m. Saturday.

Matthew Howe, 17, of Westbrook was alone in his car, a Mazda, when it went off the road and struck a tree. He was dead at the scene, according to Stephen McCausland, spokesman for the state Department of Public Safety.

McCausland said police attribute the crash in part to excessive speed and driver inexperience. Police are awaiting the results of tests for alcohol and drugs.