Tesla autopilot drove car into Texas home, killing woman, driver says – NBC 7 San Diego

Published
June 22, 2026
Outcome
Fatal
Location
Katy, Texas
brick home in a neighborhood about 30 miles west of Houston
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Incident type
Crash

Summary

Car Crash Katy Texas in Katy, Texas: A 76-year-old Texas woman was killed when a Tesla Model 3 that the driver said was operating in automated driver-assistance mode went off the road at a high rate of speed and slammed into a brick home in Katy, Texas, about 30 miles west of Houston. The vehicle tore through the home and struck Martha Avila, who was inside; she was taken to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries. The driver, identified as Michael Butler, showed no signs of intoxication and cooperated with law enforcement, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office. An investigation into the crash is underway.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Martha Avila Unknown Fatal
Michael Butler Unknown Unknown
Michael Butler / Tesla At-fault party

Original reporting

Tesla autopilot drove car into Texas home, killing woman, driver says – NBC 7 San Diego

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