A teenager died this morning in a car crash in Prince William County after his 2008 Ford Mustang struck a tree, police said.
The driver has been identified as Michael Murphy Schmelzinger, 17, of Manassas. He was a student at Osbourn Park High School.
After an investigation, police determined Schmelzinger was traveling southbound on Lake Jackson Drive when his car veered off the roadway and crashed into a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said speed played a factor in the crash. The investigation is still ongoing.
"We are all shocked and saddened by the loss of such a promising young man," Osbourn Park High principal Neil Beech said in a statement. "Michael was a junior at Osbourn Park High School. He was well-liked by his classmates and was widely known for his swimming, lacrosse and academic prowess.
"Our hearts go out to his family and friends and we will be banding together as a close-knit school community to celebrate his life and mourn his loss. Counselors will be on hand tomorrow to help students deal with this tragedy. Meanwhile, we ask all to respect the privacy of his family at this difficult time."
Stay with News4 and NBCWashington.com for more details as the story develops.