Erica Garza Obituary, Death: 20-Year-Old Killed in Downtown Austin Hit-and-Run Crash

Erica Garza Obituary, Death – A tragic hit-and-run incident in Downtown Austin has claimed the life of a 20-year-old woman and left two men with injuries. The crash occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 11, and the Austin Police Department (APD) continues to search for the driver responsible.

The fatal crash happened just before 5 a.m. in the 700 block of East Seventh Street, a busy area located between Red River Street and Interstate 35. According to police reports, a vehicle struck three pedestrians and then fled the scene, heading northbound along the I-35 frontage road. The vehicle did not stop to offer aid or wait for authorities, leading to a criminal investigation into the incident.

The three pedestrians struck in the crash included one woman and two men. The male victims sustained only minor injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The female victim, identified as Erica Garza, suffered critical injuries in the collision and was also taken to the hospital alongside the others. Sadly, despite medical efforts, Garza succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead on Friday, May 16, five days after the crash.

Garza’s untimely death has left her family, friends, and community in mourning. The incident has shocked many, particularly because the driver fled the scene, abandoning the victims and evading immediate accountability. Garza’s passing marks a somber moment for the city, as the event is being recorded as Austin’s 30th fatal crash of the year, bringing the city’s traffic-related death toll to 34 for 2025.

The Austin Police Department has launched a full investigation into the hit-and-run and is actively pursuing leads. Investigators from the Vehicular Homicide Unit are collecting evidence and appealing to the public for any information that might help identify the vehicle or the driver involved. Surveillance footage from surrounding businesses and traffic cameras is being reviewed, and police are hopeful that tips from the community may lead to a breakthrough.

Authorities are urging anyone with knowledge of the crash or the suspect to step forward. They can contact the APD Vehicular Homicide Unit directly at 512-974-8111. Those who wish to remain anonymous can also submit tips to Crime Stoppers by calling 512-472-TIPS (8477) or visiting the official website at austincrimestoppers.org.

This tragic event has brought renewed attention to the dangers of reckless driving and the devastating consequences of leaving the scene of a crash. Hit-and-run incidents not only demonstrate a lack of responsibility and concern for human life, but they also present significant challenges for law enforcement seeking justice for victims.

Erica Garza’s death adds to a growing number of fatal incidents on Austin’s roadways in 2025, sparking concern among city officials and public safety advocates about traffic safety. While the city has taken steps in recent years to improve pedestrian and driver safety through awareness campaigns, infrastructure improvements, and increased patrols, the continued occurrence of such incidents highlights the ongoing risks.

As the investigation progresses, Erica Garza’s name joins a list of individuals who have lost their lives in traffic accidents within the city. She is remembered by loved ones as a young woman with a promising future, whose life was cut short in an act of negligence and disregard. The loss is especially painful given the preventable nature of the crash and the fact that the responsible party remains at large.

The Austin community is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious vehicles or behavior that could be related to the case. Often, it is a tip from an observant citizen that leads investigators to resolve hit-and-run cases and provide some form of closure to grieving families.

Meanwhile, police continue their search for justice for Erica Garza and accountability for the tragedy that unfolded in the early morning darkness on East Seventh Street. The hope remains that the person responsible will be identified and brought before the law to answer for their actions.

Until then, the investigation remains active, and Erica’s family, supported by law enforcement and community members, awaits answers. The Austin Police Department continues its commitment to finding those responsible for fatal crashes and preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future.