Police Release Details On North Austin I-35 Pedestrian Death

AUSTIN, TX — Police on Thursday released more details on the death of a pedestrian over the weekend along Interstate 35.

The incident occurred on Sunday, July 14, at around 4:20 a.m. along the 300 block of I-35. A police investigation revealed that a pedestrian was crossing the highway from west to east when a blue 2007 Ford Explorer struck him, killing him at the scene. The victim has not been identified (likely pending next-of-kin notification), and was described only as a 43-year-old white man.

Police noted the driver remained at the scene to cooperate in a police investigation, and is not expected to face charges.

The latest death of a pedestrian along I-35 adds to a growing trend. The death count along the major artery in the past months has raised concern, prompting the Texas Department of Transportation to recently launch a public awareness campaign meant to dissuade people from attempting to cross the highway on foot.

Related story: Texas Agency Urges Pedestrians To 'Stay Alive, Don't Cross I-35'

As police continue to investigate, they ask anyone with information to contact them at (512) 974-4424. Those with information also can submit tips by downloading Austin PD’s free mobile app on iPhone and Android.

The pedestrian death is the latest in a string of such incidents along the artery as the traffic accident death toll continues to mount — already exceeding last year's level. The latest pedestrian death marked the city's 40th fatal traffic crash of 2019, police said, resulting in 41 fatalities this year. At this time in 2018, police added, there were 32 fatal traffic crashes and 33 traffic fatalities.