Another Life Needlessly Lost Due to Systemic Failures to Address Addiction and Mental Health

Update: Police have determined that the tragic car crash at the St. David's North Austin Medical Center emergency room on February 13 was caused by the driver's intoxication, according to records obtained by the American-Statesman. 57-year-old Michelle Holloway, a Texas Department of Public Safety employee, lost her life, and six others were injured in this preventable incident.

"I believe Michelle was intoxicated at the time... her blood alcohol content was at a deadly level."
- Detective Robert Foster, Primary Investigator

Holloway, with a blood alcohol content of 0.30%, was well over the legal limit. Per the Cleveland Clinic, this level is considered alcohol poisoning and can lead to loss of consciousness.

The System Failed Michelle Holloway:

• Holloway was at the hospital to pick up her mother after surgery. She was tired and showed signs of being "on something," according to a witness. This tragedy highlights the dire need for better addiction and mental health services.
• Pandemic-related stressors have taken a significant toll on mental health nationwide. It's past time that we invest in comprehensive support services and break the devastating cycle of addiction and untreated mental illness.

The Devastating Impact:

• Four members of an Austin family were injured, and they are now suing the hospital for the lack of safety barriers. This crash has torn apart families and traumatized hospital staff.
• An emergency room doctor and the Travis County medical examiner's office confirmed that Holloway did not experience a medical incident prior to the crash, highlighting the role of intoxication.

A Life Cut Short:

• Those who knew Holloway described her behavior as ordinary and showed no signs of suicidal or homicidal tendencies. This further underscores the necessity for accessible resources to prevent such tragic, avoidable losses.

Let Michelle Holloway's story spark long-overdue change. Invest in mental health services and addiction treatment, not more police and prisons.