Austin's community is reeling from a tragedy after 58-year-old Adam Attebury, a local homeless man well-known and cherished in his community, was killed by a suspected drunk driver along Hwy 290. Attebury, described as having a genuine soul and care for everyone, was struck near William Cannon Drive, close to an auto body shop he frequented daily to talk with employees.
The collision occurred on Valentine's Day, casting a long shadow over a day typically reserved for expressions of love. Austin Police have arrested 41-year-old Jacob Sussman, charging him with intoxication manslaughter. Sussman allegedly hit Attebury as he walked on the shoulder of the road, a space meant to temporarily, but securely house pedestrians with the protection of large barrel barriers. Despite these precautions, Attebury's life was abruptly ended in an area he had come to hold dear, close to where his veteran compatriots lay in eternal rest and where he struggled to find sanctuary amidst life's hardships.
In an emotional testament to Attebury's impact on the local area, CBS Austin captured the words of Amber Brasseaux, who worked near the scene of the accident and considered Attebury one of her closest friends. “I didn’t want Adam to pass away nameless. I wanted everyone to know that he was a person, he does have a story. Just because you’re experiencing homelessness, that doesn’t define your character,” Brasseaux said.
Members of the community and those living in homeless encampments near the highway stopped to share their remembrances of Attebury. Flowers were laid in tribute along the roadside, marking the spot where life, though troubled, had made such a positive impact. Brasseaux shared with KXAN that Attebury, a veteran, chose to stay in that area to be close to his family buried nearby. “I just want everyone to know that he had a name, he was a person and he did not deserve what happened to him,” she said.
