Austin police investigate two separate fatal crashes on I-35 and State Highway 71 this year

Two unrelated incidents, two deaths

Austin police have been investigating two separate fatal traffic crashes this year involving a motorcyclist and a pedestrian, both occurring on major high-speed corridors where severe collisions are common.

The first crash occurred the evening of Jan. 26, 2026, at the intersection of the North Interstate 35 southbound service road and East 38th 1/2 Street. Police said the collision involved a motor vehicle and a motorcycle. The motorcyclist, described as an unidentified male, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.

The second crash took place early March 1, 2026, in the 3100 block of State Highway 71 eastbound. Police said the incident involved two motor vehicles and a pedestrian. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators said the first vehicle that struck the pedestrian left the area before officers arrived, while the second driver remained at the scene, was not impaired, and cooperated with the investigation.

What is known about the investigations

Both cases were described by police as preliminary, with investigations continuing and details subject to change as evidence is reviewed and witness information is assessed.

• Jan. 26, 2026 (I-35 service road at E. 38th 1/2 St.): Motorcycle and passenger vehicle crash; motorcyclist died at the scene; cooperating driver stayed.

• March 1, 2026 (SH 71 eastbound, 3100 block): Pedestrian struck in a collision involving two vehicles; one driver left before police arrived; the other driver remained and was not impaired.

Police emphasized that early statements in fatal-crash investigations reflect an initial assessment and may change as the cases develop.

Broader road-safety context in Austin

While the two crashes are unrelated, they intersect with a continuing public-safety challenge on Austin’s roads. Preliminary city transportation data for 2025 recorded 99 traffic fatalities and 301 serious injuries, with the most severe outcomes concentrated on higher-speed roadways. The city has also noted that a large share of traffic fatalities occur on roads owned by the state, which include corridors such as Interstate 35 and State Highway 71.

Investigators typically document physical evidence, collect available video, and interview witnesses to establish factors such as right-of-way, speed, impairment, and any hit-and-run sequence. In the SH 71 fatality, police have been seeking information that could help identify the driver who left the scene.

How to share information

Police have asked anyone with information related to either case to contact the Austin Police Department’s Vehicular Homicide Unit.