Pedestrian killed on North I-35 service road in northeast Austin, police say investigation continues

Crash reported early Sunday on N IH-35 frontage road

A pedestrian was killed early Sunday in a collision on the North Interstate 35 service road in northeast Austin, in what police described as the city’s fourth fatal crash of 2026.

Officers responded at 3:42 a.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026, to the 8000 block of the southbound N IH-35 service road. The crash involved a pedestrian and a motor vehicle. The pedestrian, described as an unidentified man, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said the driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.

What is known — and what remains unclear

Authorities have not released the pedestrian’s identity or age. Police also have not provided details about the vehicle involved, the direction of travel, or circumstances leading up to the crash, such as whether the pedestrian was crossing the roadway or walking along it.

The case remains under investigation and police have emphasized that early findings can change as investigators complete their work. The crash was assigned case number 26-0180270.

Traffic fatality count and recent context

Police stated the January 18 death marked Austin’s fourth fatal crash of 2026, accounting for four deaths to date this year. Police also noted that on the same date in 2025, the city had recorded one fatal crash resulting in one death.

The death follows another pedestrian fatality investigated earlier this month. On January 5, 2026, police responded to a pedestrian-vehicle collision in the 900 block of E. Koenig Lane at 2:02 a.m. In that case, police said the vehicle fled the scene. The pedestrian was later identified as Donna Michelle Hanson, 60. Detectives have publicly sought help locating a vehicle described as consistent with a dark-colored 1998–2000 BMW 323 that may have left parts behind at the scene.

How the public can assist

Police asked anyone with information about the January 18 crash to contact the Austin Police Department Vehicular Homicide unit at 512-974-8111. Tipsters may also submit information anonymously through Capital Area Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477.

The investigation is ongoing and fatality information may change as additional evidence is reviewed.

• Date/time: 3:42 a.m., January 18, 2026
• Location: 8000 block of N IH-35 service road, southbound
• Outcome: Pedestrian pronounced dead at the scene
• Status: Driver remained on scene; investigation continuing