Austin authorities identified the victim of a fatal Loop 360 crash as 21-year-old Byron Gutierrez-Rodriguez, KXAN reports. The tragic incident occurred on December 7, near Barton Creek Mall, when the vehicle carrying Gutierrez-Rodriguez and two others crashed around 12:40 p.m.
According to the Austin Police Department, the incident now marks the 83rd fatal traffic accident in the city for the year, leading to a total of 86 deaths compared to the 108 deaths from 104 fatal crashes at the same point in 2022, showing a slight decrease in such tragic incidents this year, yet the numbers still reflect a profound loss for the community. The Austin-Travis County EMS assessed the driver and the other passenger following the mishap, both of whom refused hospital care, KXAN detailed.
The authorities are urging the public for assistance, seeking any information that could help shed light on the circumstances leading to the tragedy, as the investigation by APD’s Vehicular Homicide unit is ongoing. Witnesses or those with relevant information can reach out to the APD at 512-974-8111 or submit tips anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program.
Appeals have been made by law enforcement officials for information related to the crash, and those with knowledge can contact the APD on the number provided or CBS Austin included the option of reaching out to provide tips anonymously.
