Tesla crash in Texas kills 76-year-old woman as vehicle reportedly on autopilot
A Tesla Model 3 driven on autopilot collided with a home in Katy, Texas, killing 76-year-old Martha Avila. Police are investigating the incident and no charges have been announced.
A Tesla Model 3 driven by Michael Butler struck a residence in Katy, Texas, on Friday evening, killing 76-year-old resident Martha Avila. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said the vehicle entered the house at a high speed, creating a large hole in the front of the home. Avila was taken to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Butler, who was also hospitalized, told investigators the car was operating on “autopilot” at the time of the crash. Police noted he showed no signs of intoxication and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. No charges have been filed so far.
"I think her life was cut very short," said Avila’s daughter Jennifer Barbour to KHOU 11.
Barbour described the home as uninhabitable and said the family has started a fundraising campaign to cover emergency housing and funeral expenses. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Vehicular Crimes Division is leading the probe.
