Police ID Driver Killed After North Austin Collision

NORTH AUSTIN, TEXAS — Police on Wednesday identified the driver who died last weekend when his car was struck after another car exited a driveway in North Austin.

The incident occurred on Oct. 12 just before 6 p.m. on the 12700 block of Research Blvd. along the frontage road. According to a preliminary police investigation, the driver of a 2013 gray Nissan Altima exited a private driveway there before attempting to maneuver onto the far left lane. In so doing, the Altima struck a 2011 gray Ford Escape traveling southbound in the far left lane of the frontage road,police said in a press advisory.

The front seat passenger of the Escape was rushed to Dell Seton Medical Center but died as a result of his injuries four days later on Tuesday, police said. The driver in that vehicle was transported to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Altima is said to have remained at the scene, according to police, and showed no signs of impairment. It's unclear from the police press advisory if the driver faces any charges as a result of the collision.

The passenger who died was identified as Ronald Hadnot, 52. The victim would have turned 53 on Nov. 25, according to a birth date provided by police.

As police continue to investigate, they ask anyone with information regarding the incident to call detectives at (512) 974-6935. Those with information also can submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.

The incident marked Austin’s 57th fatal traffic crash of 2018, resulting in 58 fatalities this year. Those statistics exceed the level of traffic fatalities for the comparable period last year, police noted, when there were 51 fatal traffic crashes and 53 traffic fatalities.

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