NHTSA Now Investigating Deadly Tesla Crash Into Texas Home

Published
June 22, 2026
Outcome
Fatal
Location
Katy, Georgia
brick home in a Houston suburb
Incident type
Crash

Summary

Car Crash Katy Georgia in Katy, Georgia: A Tesla Model 3 driver identified as Michael Butler left the roadway at a high rate of speed and slammed into a brick home in Katy, Texas, a Houston suburb, killing 76-year-old Marcela Avila, a grandmother who was inside the home. Avila was transported by helicopter to a hospital where she was pronounced dead from injuries sustained in the crash. The driver told authorities he was using the car's automated driving assistance program and was cooperative with no signs of intoxication. The Harris County Sheriff's Office, NHTSA, and a special crash investigation are all examining the incident.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Marcela Avila Unknown Fatal
Michael Butler Unknown Unknown

Original reporting

NHTSA Now Investigating Deadly Tesla Crash Into Texas Home

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