Tragedy struck on a quiet Austin street last Friday afternoon when a train collided with an SUV, leading to the death of the vehicle's driver. According to the City of Austin, the accident occurred in the 1700 block of Matthews Lane at roughly 4:20 p.m. The sole occupant of the SUV, Scott A. Sticksel, did not survive.
Responding at the scene, officers found the mangled remains of the vehicle after the collision. Pronounced deceased before they could be rushed to a medical facility, Sticksel's identity was later confirmed through official channels. This latest incident marks the 52nd fatal crash the city has reckoned with this year, only slightly trailing the previous year's statistics for the same timeframe, which tallied 56 crashes and 59 fatalities, as detailed by the City of Austin.
The Austin Police Department's call for witnesses underscores the unfinished story behind the statistics. Having any information that could shine light on the events leading up to the fatal crash, potential eyewitnesses are urged to contact the APD's Vehicular Homicide unit. Tips can be given anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program, accessible online or by phone.
