Two Deadly Austin Crashes Within an Hour Friday Morning

AUSTIN, TEXAS - JANUARY 2: The US 183 North Express Lanes opened Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. (Jay Janner/The Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images)

Two fatal crashes occurred within one hour early Friday morning, according to Austin police, leading to road closures and traffic that have since been cleared.

The first crash happened shortly after 3 a.m. in the 2600 block of W. Slaughter Lane. Police said a motorcycle with a single rider left the roadway, and the rider was pronounced dead at the scene. He was later identified as Evan Sedall, 27.

An investigation into the crash is still pending, officials said.

Another fatal crash occurred in the 13000 block of U.S. 183 shortly before 4 a.m. Police said a pickup truck heading south struck a pedestrian who police believe was attempting to cross the highway on foot.

Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, but they were unsuccessful. The pedestrian, who has not been identified, was declared dead at 4:25 a.m.

Police said the driver of the vehicle stayed at the scene and cooperated with the investigation.

The police department's Vehicular Homicide units were reportedly delayed from responding to the scene due to the earlier motorcycle crash.

All southbound lanes of U.S. 183 at Anderson Mill Road were shut down Friday at 4:53 a.m. following the vehicle-pedestrian crash, according to the Texas Department of Transportation, but reopened a few hours later.

The incidents are being investigated as the 17th and 18th fatal crashes of 2026, resulting in 18 fatalities total this year.

Anyone with any information about either incident should contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-8111. You can also submit an anonymous tip by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477.