Austin Police Release Details On Longhorn Cedric Benson's Death

AUSTIN, TX — Police on Monday released more details into the death of Cedric Benson, a standout former football player for the University of Texas at Austin killed in a motorcycle crash over the weekend.

The traffic accident occurred on Saturday, Aug. 17, at around 10:20 p.m. along the 4500 block of FM 2222 at Mount Bonnell Road. According to witnesses, the BMW driven by Benson at the time was traveling at a high rate of speed westbound in the left land of the highway.

Up ahead, a white, 2014 Dodge van was stopped at the T-intersection of Mount Bonnell Road, police said. After checking for oncoming traffic, the driver of the van attempted to turn left on FM 2222 before it was struck by the oncoming motorcycle.

Previous story: UT-Austin Standout Cedric Benson Killed In Motorcycle Crash

The driver of the van was evaluated by EMS medics on scene but refused medical transport, police said in a press advisory. The passenger of the van and a bystander at the scene attempted to render aid to Benson and his passenger Aamna Najam, 27. Despite such rescue efforts, both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Anyone with information regarding this case should call APD’s Vehicular Homicide Unit at (512) 974-4424. You can also submit tips by downloading Austin PD’s free mobile app on iPhone and Android.

In a rare directive members of the media, Austin police asked reporters to decline reaching Benson's family for comment. "The family of Cedric Benson respectfully requests privacy during this difficult time and asks that media refrain from contacting them," police wrote.

Anyone with information regarding this case should call detectives at (512) 974-4424. Those with information also can submit tips by downloading Austin PD’s free mobile app on iPhone and Android.

The incident marked the city's 50th fatal traffic crash so far this year, police said, resulting 52 fatalities. At this time last year, police added, there were 41 fatal traffic crashes and 42 traffic fatalities.