Tesla Crash in Katy Kills 76 Year Old Grandmother

A Tesla Model 3 crash in Katy, Texas, killed 76-year-old Martha Avila after the vehicle left a residential road, failed to make a turn, and hit the brick front of her home at high speed. Investigators said the crash occurred on Friday, June 19, around 8 p.m. Avila was airlifted by Life Flight to Memorial Hermann hospital and pronounced dead from her injuries. Authorities identified the driver as 44-year-old Michael Butler, who was injured and taken by ambulance to a hospital. Butler told deputies that the Tesla was on Autopilot at impact, and investigators reported no signs of intoxication, with Butler cooperating. As of Saturday afternoon, no charges had been filed. Harris County Sheriff’s Office investigators said the cause had not been determined and were evaluating why the car failed to control its speed, while they clarified they had not confirmed any automated system or fault.