The devastating crash that occurred at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center on February 13th, which critically injured five people and resulted in the death of the driver, has brought to light the suspect's heavily impaired state, according to a KXAN public records request. Michelle Holloway, 57, had a blood-alcohol content between three and four times the legal limit, with toxicology reports also indicating the presence of cannabis. Holloway passed away due to "blunt head trauma," and the official conclusion from the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office has the death officially ruled as “accidental”.

In addition to ethanol levels of between 0.25% and 0.30%, the autopsy, which was made available this past Thursday, noted tests for cannabinoids were "presumptively positive." These findings have been a critical component in the ongoing investigation into the crash, with Austin police awaiting these results ahead of determining the course of their probe. The KVUE report listed that Holloway was an employee with the Texas Department of Public Safety, but no clear motives or underlying medical conditions have been linked to the incident.

The aftermath of the tragedy has led to major safety concerns over hospital security and the absence of protective barriers. St. David’s North Austin has been the subject of criticism for failing to install safety features that might have prevented such an occurrence. Since the incident, they have erected concrete barriers. As reported by KVUE, lawsuits filed against St. David’s Healthcare allege “gross negligence,” criticizing the lack of effective safety measures and the consequent severe injuries sustained by the plaintiffs and their children.

Questions are being raised on a wider scale about the safety measures at hospitals, with KVUE's investigation revealing that prior to an accident, the St. David's North Austin Medical Center did not have bollards in place at its ER entrance—unlike some of their other medical facilities. What followed was a quick installation of a dozen bollards, suggesting an acknowledgment of security gaps. A recent council resolution, prompted by the event, proposes stricter requirements for the installation of safety barriers at new medical facilities in Austin.

Responding to implications of negligence, St. David’s HealthCare has declined to comment specifically on pending litigation but has expressed that patient and visitor safety remains a priority. Meanwhile, Austin residents and families affected by the tragedy have been left grappling with the physical and emotional scars of a moment where the line between life and a grievous turn of events was as frail as a glass wall without bollards to shield it.