A senior at St. Anthony's High School was killed in an upstate car crash over the weekend after investigators say he fell asleep behind the wheel.

State troopers say Anthony Pagano, 17, was driving on I-87 in the town of Colonie around 5:30 a.m. Saturday when his car drifted off the roadway. The vehicle struck a tree, spun around and burst into flames.

Pagano was wearing a seatbelt, but suffered severe head injuries. He was taken to the hospital, where he died in the intensive care unit.

Troopers say another teen who was a passenger in the car was asleep at the time of the crash. He also was wearing a seatbelt, and was not injured.

Nearly 10 percent of crashes are linked to drowsy driving, according to AAA of New York.

St. Anthony's Principal Brother Gary Cregan says Pagano is remembered as someone who was wise beyond his years and who never had an unkind word to say about anyone.

Cregan says counselors will be available at school, and that teachers will urge students to lean on their faith to get them through this difficult time.

Wake services for Pagano will be held at MA Connell Funeral Home in Huntington Station Wednesday and Thursday. A funeral Mass will be at St. Elizabeth Church in Melville Friday morning.