Early Morning Tragedy on South I-35 Claims Life Near Southpark Meadows
At 3:55 a.m. on February 10, the quiet hum of early morning traffic along the 10400 block of South I-35, just south of the Southpark Meadows shopping area, was shattered by a fatal collision. The stretch of highway that runs through the Del Valle and South Congress neighborhoods became the scene of a deadly auto-pedestrian crash that has left the community reeling.
David Rodriguez, 45, was struck and killed instantly while crossing the southbound lanes of I-35. The driver involved remained at the scene and cooperated fully with Austin Police Department investigators. Officials confirmed the driver was not impaired. The incident remains under active investigation by APD’s Vehicular Homicide unit.
What Happened: Facts from the Scene
Officers responded to the crash near the intersection of I-35 and East William Cannon Drive, a key artery connecting South Austin neighborhoods to downtown. Rodriguez was pronounced dead at the scene. This marks the 10th fatal traffic crash in Austin this year, bringing the total fatalities to 10 for 2026. By comparison, the same date in 2025 saw five fatal crashes resulting in five deaths.
This section of I-35 is notorious for heavy commuter traffic, especially during morning and evening rush hours. The proximity to neighborhoods like South Congress and Del Valle means many residents and workers pass through this corridor daily, increasing the risk of similar incidents if caution is not exercised.
Why This Matters to Austin Residents
This tragedy is a stark reminder that the risks on Austin’s roadways are immediate and personal. For anyone living in or traveling through South Congress, Del Valle, or nearby neighborhoods like South Lamar, this crash highlights the very real danger pedestrians face near high-speed highways.
The consequences ripple beyond the immediate loss of life. Expect significant delays and traffic disruptions along I-35, especially near William Cannon Drive and Stassney Lane, as investigations and cleanup continue. This can mean lost work hours, increased stress, and added fuel costs for commuters forced to find alternate routes.
For households near the crash site, the emotional toll is compounded by the knowledge that such an event could happen to a family member, friend, or neighbor at any time. Local emergency services, including Austin-Travis County EMS and trauma centers like Dell Seton Medical Center at UT, are stretched thin, and every fatality adds pressure on these critical resources.
Property values and housing stability can also be affected long-term if traffic safety issues persist without intervention. Residents living near I-35 corridors may see increased noise, congestion, and risk, which impacts quality of life and neighborhood safety.
If You Are Involved or Witness This Type of Incident: What To Do Immediately
- 1. Stop your vehicle immediately and turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- 2. Call 911 to report the accident, even if you believe no one is seriously injured.
- 3. Do not move the injured person unless they are in immediate danger (e.g., fire or oncoming traffic).
- 4. Provide first aid if you are trained and it is safe to do so; otherwise, wait for emergency responders.
- 5. Cooperate fully with law enforcement—do not leave the scene.
- 6. Document the scene if possible: take photos of vehicles, road conditions, and any relevant signage or signals.
- 7. Collect contact information from witnesses and share it with police.
Ignoring these steps can jeopardize legal outcomes, delay emergency care, and complicate insurance claims. Time is critical—waiting or leaving the scene can have severe legal consequences.
When Local Professional Help Becomes Necessary
After the immediate crisis, professional assistance becomes essential. If you are the driver or a family member of someone involved, you need to contact a qualified attorney experienced in vehicular homicide and personal injury cases. Navigating the legal aftermath of a fatal crash is complex and time-sensitive.
Property damage to vehicles or local infrastructure often requires repair services and contractors. Whether it’s collision repair shops near South Lamar Boulevard or construction crews for damaged guardrails and signage, prompt professional assessment is necessary to restore safety and compliance.
City planners and traffic safety experts may also become involved as Austin evaluates how to prevent further tragedies on I-35. Residents and neighborhood associations in Del Valle and South Congress should stay engaged with the Austin Transportation Department and local officials to advocate for improved pedestrian safety measures and traffic calming solutions.
Local Context: Why This Area Is a Daily Risk Zone
South I-35 near the 10400 block is a critical corridor linking South Austin neighborhoods such as South Congress and Del Valle to central Austin and major landmarks like the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Commuters heading to workplaces, students attending Austin Community College Riverside Campus, and shoppers traveling to Southpark Meadows all rely on this stretch.
Intersections like William Cannon Drive and Stassney Lane funnel thousands of vehicles daily, creating a volatile mix of high-speed traffic and pedestrian crossings. Without heightened awareness and improved infrastructure, this area remains a hotspot for accidents with life-altering consequences.
Residents must recognize the immediate risks when walking near or crossing I-35 and drivers should be vigilant, especially during low-visibility hours like early mornings and late nights. The loss of David Rodriguez is a painful call to action for everyone who lives, works, or travels through these neighborhoods.
Where This Is Happening in Austin
The crash occurred on the southbound lanes of I-35 near the 10400 block, close to the intersection with East William Cannon Drive. This location sits between the South Congress and Del Valle neighborhoods, two rapidly growing areas with increasing pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
Nearby streets such as Stassney Lane and South Lamar Boulevard serve as major feeder roads into the highway. Landmarks like Southpark Meadows shopping center and the Austin Community College Riverside Campus are within a short drive, making this corridor a vital link for residents and businesses.
Daily commuters from neighborhoods like Travis Heights and Bouldin Creek also pass through this section of I-35, either heading downtown or toward the airport. The combination of residential, commercial, and transit traffic creates a complex environment where pedestrian safety must be a priority.
If you travel this route, understand that every moment counts. Slow down, stay alert, and respect pedestrian crossings. The cost of inattention is now painfully clear.
