Deadly Morning Crash on Loyola Lane Shakes Steiner Ranch and Surrounding Areas
Shortly after 7 a.m. Wednesday, the quiet morning commute near the intersection of Loyola Lane and Sendero Hills Parkway in the Steiner Ranch neighborhood turned tragic. Emergency lights flashed as first responders arrived to find a fatal crash scene disrupting the usual flow of traffic just as many Austinites were heading to work or school.
A 37-year-old woman, Daisy Josephine Nuncio, was pronounced dead at the scene. The collision involved at least one other vehicle, whose driver and passengers sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital. Police have not yet disclosed if any charges will be filed as the investigation continues.
What Happened
The Austin Police Department confirmed that the crash occurred at the busy intersection of Loyola Lane and Sendero Hills Parkway — a key junction serving Steiner Ranch and the neighboring neighborhoods of River Place and Jollyville. Officers arrived shortly after 7 a.m. to find Daisy Josephine Nuncio fatally injured. The other vehicle involved contained several people who were hurt but expected to recover.
This incident marks the 11th deadly crash in Austin so far this year, a significant increase from five fatal collisions reported at the same time last year. The APD Vehicular Homicide Unit is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Why This Matters Locally
If you live or commute through Steiner Ranch, River Place, or Jollyville, this crash is a stark reminder of the risks you face daily on Austin’s expanding roadways. Loyola Lane and Sendero Hills Parkway are crucial arteries connecting neighborhoods to major corridors like RM 2222 and MoPac Expressway. A deadly crash here doesn’t just cause delays — it threatens lives and strains emergency services.
Traffic backups from accidents at this intersection ripple across the area, increasing commute times and stress for thousands of residents. For families juggling school drop-offs or workers racing to meet deadlines, these disruptions can mean lost wages and added pressure. Additionally, the surge in fatal crashes underscores the urgent need for safer road planning and enforcement.
Ignoring the dangers at intersections like Loyola and Sendero Hills can lead to more injuries, costly vehicle repairs, and long-term trauma. Every delay in addressing these risks puts your household in jeopardy of being caught in similar accidents.
If This Happens to You: What to Do Immediately
- 1. Stop your vehicle immediately in a safe place, even if the crash seems minor.
- 2. Check yourself and passengers for injuries. Call 911 to report any injuries or hazards.
- 3. Do not move vehicles unless directed by police or if they pose a danger to others.
- 4. Exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers involved.
- 5. Document the scene with photos and notes, including street signs, vehicle positions, and damage.
- 6. Get contact information from witnesses if possible.
- 7. Contact the Austin Police Department Vehicular Homicide Unit at 512-974-8111 if the crash involves serious injury or death.
Failing to follow these steps can jeopardize your legal standing, insurance claims, and even your safety. Time is critical — the sooner you act responsibly, the better your chances of avoiding long-term consequences.
When Local Professional Help Becomes Necessary
After a serious crash, DIY solutions stop being enough. You need to contact professionals immediately in these situations:
- Legal Help: If you or a loved one is injured or faces wrongful blame, you need an experienced Austin-based attorney who understands local traffic laws and can protect your rights.
- Repair Services: Severe vehicle damage requires trusted local auto repair shops. Delaying repairs can increase costs and safety risks.
- Contractors and Planners: If your property or home near the crash site is damaged, licensed contractors must assess and fix structural harm. Additionally, neighborhood planners and local officials should be contacted to address ongoing traffic safety concerns at hazardous intersections like Loyola Lane and Sendero Hills Parkway.
Ignoring professional assistance after a crash can lead to unresolved legal battles, unsafe vehicles on the road, and prolonged disruptions in your daily life.
Local Context: Why Steiner Ranch and Surrounding Neighborhoods Should Take Notice
Loyola Lane and Sendero Hills Parkway are more than just streets; they are vital connectors for Steiner Ranch, River Place, and Jollyville residents. Many households rely on these roads for daily commutes to nearby employers, including the University of Texas at Austin and the Dell Medical School. Parents drive children to schools like Canyon Ridge Middle School and Steiner Ranch Elementary, while local businesses depend on smooth traffic flow to operate efficiently.
This crash is a painful reminder that no one is immune to the dangers on Austin’s roads. As Austin continues to grow, so does traffic volume and the risk of collisions. Residents need to be vigilant, prepared, and proactive in demanding safer infrastructure and enforcement.
Where This Is Happening in Austin
The crash occurred at the intersection of Loyola Lane and Sendero Hills Parkway, located in the Steiner Ranch neighborhood in northwest Austin. Nearby streets include Sendero Springs Drive and RM 2222, which connect Steiner Ranch to the larger Jollyville and River Place communities. The area is close to Lake Austin and the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, popular landmarks where many locals spend weekends.
Commuters often use these routes to access MoPac Expressway (Loop 1) and Highway 183, making this intersection a critical point in Austin’s transportation network. Residents of Steiner Ranch and surrounding neighborhoods pass through this corridor daily, whether heading to downtown Austin, the Arboretum shopping district, or the University of Texas campus.
Given the increase in fatal crashes here, every driver must treat this stretch with caution and urgency. The safety of your household depends on it.
