Police have released the name of the man who died in a crash in Matamata.

Twenty-two-year-old William Grant Carey died when the car he was driving smashed into a concrete pillar on Saturday.

Police discovered the crashed vehicle on Smith Street around 4.30am, after receiving calls from William's friends.

Matamata-Piako road policing Sergeant Dean Kaio confirmed police got a call from the man's friends concerned about his state to drive.

"There were concerns for both the vehicle and the young fella earlier on in the night.

"There was a suggestion alcohol was involved in this case. Alcohol and speed are two of our biggest concerns for those on our roads - they are not a good mix."

Dean says officers are still investigating the circumstances of the crash.