Pedestrian Killed in South Austin I-35 Crash Identified as David Rodriguez

Austin police have identified the victim as 45-year-old David Rodriguez.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Austin police have identified 45-year-old David Rodriguez as the pedestrian who died after being struck by a box truck early Tuesday morning on I-35 in South Austin. The crash occurred around 3:55 a.m. in the 10400 block of the southbound lanes. The driver of the box truck remained at the scene and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

Why it matters

This crash represents the 10th fatal incident on Austin roads so far in 2026, a concerning increase compared to the same period last year. Understanding the factors behind these rising fatalities is crucial to improving road safety and preventing similar tragedies.

The details

Officers responded to the scene and determined Rodriguez was pronounced dead. The driver of the box truck was not impaired. The freeway was closed for several hours as authorities investigated the collision and cleared the scene.

  • The crash occurred around 3:55 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
  • The freeway was closed for several hours, with lanes reopening around 8 a.m.

The players

David Rodriguez

A 45-year-old pedestrian who was killed in the crash.

Austin Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the fatal collision.

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What they’re saying

“This crash is being investigated as the 10th fatal crash in Austin for 2026, resulting in 10 deaths. This represents an increase compared to the same date in 2025, when five fatal crashes resulted in five deaths.”

— Austin Police Department (newsy-today.com)

“A rise in fatal crashes, even with limited data, underscores the importance of continued vigilance regarding road safety. Factors contributing to these incidents could range from increased traffic volume to driver behavior, and a thorough investigation is crucial to understanding the root causes.”

— Expert (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact the APD's Vehicular Homicide unit to assist with the ongoing investigation.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for continued efforts to improve road safety in Austin, as the city grapples with a concerning rise in fatal crashes. Understanding the factors behind these incidents and taking appropriate measures will be crucial to preventing similar tragedies in the future.