On Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 6:22 p.m., a fatal traffic accident occurred at the intersection of Great Hills Trail and North Capital of Texas Highway. The Austin Police Department (APD) reported that an SUV traveling southbound on Great Hills Trail ran a red light and collided with a hatchback sedan traveling westbound on N Capital of Texas Highway, which had entered the intersection on a green light.
The crash resulted in the death of Esther Saylee, a passenger in the SUV. Saylee was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased. Two other passengers from the SUV sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were also taken to the hospital. Other individuals involved remained at the scene and are cooperating with authorities.
This incident marks Austin's 67th fatal crash of 2024, resulting in 72 fatalities so far this year. Comparatively, by this date in 2023, there had been 68 fatal crashes resulting in 71 fatalities.
The APD has stated that these details are part of their initial assessment and that "fatality information may change" as the investigation continues. They urge anyone with information about this incident to contact their Vehicular Homicide unit at 512-974-8111 or submit tips anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477.