Early Morning Tragedy Closes Southbound I-35 Near Stassney Lane
Just before dawn on Tuesday, drivers heading southbound on I-35 near the Stassney Lane exit found themselves stopped in a deadly scene. At 3:55 a.m., emergency crews rushed to the 10400 block of South I-35, a stretch that slices through the South Austin neighborhoods of South Lamar and Onion Creek. The normally busy freeway was eerily silent except for flashing emergency lights and the distant hum of early morning responders.
It was here that 45-year-old David Rodriguez was struck and killed by a box truck, bringing a sudden and tragic halt to the morning commute. The crash forced the closure of this critical artery for several hours, snarling traffic and leaving residents on edge as details emerged.
What Happened on I-35 Tuesday Morning
Austin Police Department officers responded promptly to the crash involving a box truck and a pedestrian on the southbound lanes of I-35 at the 10400 block—just south of Stassney Lane. Rodriguez was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the box truck remained on-site, was tested and found not impaired, and is cooperating with investigators.
APD closed the freeway in both directions while emergency crews processed the scene and conducted a thorough wash down of the roadway around 8 a.m. to remove debris and fluids. The freeway reopened shortly afterward, but the disruption lasted through much of the morning rush.
This incident marks Austin’s 10th fatal crash of 2026, adding to a grim tally that is raising alarm among city officials and residents alike.
Why This Crash Matters to You and Your Household
Every day, thousands of Austinites rely on I-35 to commute between neighborhoods like South Lamar, Onion Creek, and downtown Austin. The closure of this key corridor can immediately impact your day—delaying work, appointments, and school pickups. But beyond inconvenience, this crash highlights a deadly risk that hits close to home.
If you live or work near I-35, or regularly drive through this corridor, your safety is at stake. Pedestrians are especially vulnerable in areas where high-speed traffic meets limited crossing options. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for vigilance and better protections.
Ignoring these risks can lead to more fatalities, increased insurance premiums, and costly property damage. For families, the loss of a loved one or the aftermath of a serious crash can cause emotional trauma and financial hardship that lasts for years.
Traffic backups from closures ripple into neighborhoods like South Lamar and Onion Creek, forcing detours onto secondary roads such as Manchaca Road and Brodie Lane. These streets are not designed for heavy congestion, increasing the risk of further accidents and delays. The ripple effect can extend to emergency services, delaying ambulances and police response times.
If You Are Involved in a Similar Incident: What to Do Immediately
- Stop your vehicle immediately and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Call 911 to report the crash and request emergency medical assistance.
- Do not move the injured pedestrian unless they are in immediate danger (e.g., fire or traffic).
- Stay at the scene and provide your identification and insurance information to police and other involved parties.
- Document the scene with photos or videos if it is safe to do so, focusing on vehicle positions, road conditions, and any visible damages or injuries.
- Collect contact information from witnesses and other drivers.
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the incident.
When Local Professional Help Becomes Necessary
After the immediate crisis, professional help becomes critical. If you or a loved one is involved in a crash like this, you need to contact an experienced attorney. Vehicular homicide investigations can be complex, and legal guidance is essential to protect your rights and navigate insurance claims or potential criminal proceedings.
For those whose vehicles or property are damaged, contacting reputable repair services and contractors is necessary without delay. Delaying repairs can lead to further damage or safety hazards, especially if structural elements or safety features are compromised.
City planners and traffic safety consultants also play a role in preventing future tragedies. If you live in South Lamar, Onion Creek, or nearby neighborhoods, you can engage with local authorities or neighborhood associations to push for improved pedestrian infrastructure, such as better lighting, crosswalks, and traffic calming measures along busy corridors like I-35 and Stassney Lane.
Local Context: Why This Area Is a Daily Reality for Many Austinites
The 10400 block of South I-35 is a critical juncture for Austin’s southside residents. It’s a gateway between neighborhoods like South Lamar, known for its mix of residential and commercial zones, and Onion Creek, a growing suburban area with families dependent on this route for daily access to downtown Austin and major employers.
Nearby landmarks such as the Southpark Meadows shopping center and the Austin Community College Riverside Campus draw both drivers and pedestrians to this corridor. The intersection with Stassney Lane is a known bottleneck, especially during peak hours, where pedestrian crossings are frequent but not always safely accommodated.
If you drive, bike, or walk through this area, you face real risks every day. The crash that claimed David Rodriguez’s life is a stark reminder that safety improvements and heightened awareness are not optional—they are urgent necessities.
Where This Is Happening in Austin
The crash occurred on I-35 southbound near the intersection with Stassney Lane, a major east-west artery connecting South Austin neighborhoods. South Lamar Boulevard runs parallel a few blocks west, serving as an alternative route but also a busy commercial corridor. To the east lies the Onion Creek neighborhood, a residential area with limited access points to the freeway.
Local landmarks include the Southpark Meadows retail complex, which draws significant traffic, and the Austin Community College Riverside Campus, located just a few miles north along Riverside Drive. Many residents from South Lamar and Onion Creek rely on I-35 to reach downtown Austin, the Texas State Capitol, and major employers such as Samsung’s nearby manufacturing plant in Taylor.
Commuters often navigate this corridor daily, making awareness of the risks and consequences of crashes like this essential for every household in the area.
