Early Thursday, the tranquility of Lady Bird Lake was disturbed as emergency responders located a body near Congress Avenue. The Austin Fire Department received a call at 8:20 a.m. and promptly arrived on the scene by 8:40 a.m., as reported by CBS Austin. Authorities have confirmed the recovery of the body and stated that no foul play is suspected at this time.
The Austin Police Department, conducting the ongoing death investigation, reported that the deceased is a white female, found in water near the 90 block of Congress Avenue. "No apparent traumatic injuries were found on the body," Corporal Jose Mendez shared in a briefing, information obtained by Austin American Statesman. The identity of the deceased has not yet been released as the investigation continues.
Traffic was impacted as a consequence of the emergency response, with one southbound lane on Congress Avenue being blocked. APD has also announced a temporary closure of the trail from Brazos Street to the west side of the Congress Avenue bridge to preserve the integrity of the scene.
APD Detectives are responding to reports of a deceased person in the water near the 90 block of Congress Avenue. This is a death investigation with no foul play suspected at this time. The trail is blocked off from Brazos to just west of the Congress Bridge. Media briefing will…
— Austin Police Department (@Austin_Police) March 27, 2025
In recent years, the trend of bodies being discovered in Lady Bird Lake has stirred local concern, with at least a dozen such cases reported. Despite rumors circulating about a possible serial offender, authorities have repeatedly stated that these incidents do not appear connected. Still, APD is seeking potential witnesses or any surveillance footage that may aid the investigation. Anyone with information has been encouraged to contact the department at (512)472-8477; a call to action echoed across social media and local news outlets.
