Austin police officer killed in off-duty motorcycle crash

An off-duty Austin police officer died early Saturday following a motorcycle crash in Comal County, officials said.

Detective Israel Garcia died in the accident, according to an email to the Austin Police Department from Chief Lisa Davis. He was pronounced dead at a hospital in San Marcos.

Details of the crash were not immediately known. It remains under investigation.

"Anybody who knew Izzy — we called him Izzy — always knew that he was one of the most jovial people who always had a positive attitude," said Michael Bullock, president of the Austin Police Association. "I don't think he ever met a stranger he couldn't be good friends with. He is going to be very missed."

Garcia was most recently assigned to work with a downtown rapid response team.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin police officer killed in off-duty motorcycle crash