University of Victoria electrical engineering student Matthew Daniel Pieczarka, 21, has been identified as the driver who died in a Friday night crash in Saanich.

Pieczarka was driving his black pickup north on Shelbourne Street toward McKenzie Avenue when he lost control and crossed the centre line, hitting a series of light standards before coming to a stop against a tree in the Esso gas station parking lot.

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Witnesses told Saanich police that excessive speed appeared to be a factor.

No vehicles or pedestrians were in the intersection at the time.

Pieczarka was pulled from the vehicle and rushed to hospital where he died.

The truck is believed to have been coming from Cedar Hill Cross Road and began hitting poles near Garnet Road, police said.

A close friend of Pieczarka’s, Brian Carew, expressed his grief on his Facebook page, with a picture of the two at Carew’s wedding.

“Matt, you were there to celebrate one of the biggest moments of my life and I was honoured to have you there at my wedding. Hanging out with Josh without you won't be the same. I have so much love for you; you were a close and fantastic friend. This is devastating news, but always know my accomplishments are yours as well. You'll always be in my thoughts and in my heart,” Carew wrote.

A makeshift memorial has been set up at the crash site, where caution tape surrounds a tree and a fallen light standard remains in the flower bed, with shards of shattered glass still visible. Four bouquets and a candle have been placed on the ground, along with a note that says "rest in peace."

The B.C. Coroners Service and Saanich police continue to investigate the death.

On Friday night, several blocks of Shelbourne Street from Cedar Hill Cross Road to McKenzie Avenue were shut down while Saanich police traffic analysts and forensic identification officers investigated.

Pieczarka’s family has been notified and requested privacy.

kderosa@timescolonist.com