Texas Grandmother Dies After Tesla Allegedly Driving on Autopilot Crashes into Home

Published
June 22, 2026
Outcome
Fatal
Location
Katy, Georgia
residence in Katy, 30 miles west of Houston
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Incident type
Crash

Summary

Car Crash Katy Georgia in Katy, Georgia: On Friday, June 19, at around 8 p.m., Michael Butler was traveling in a Tesla Model 3 in Katy, Texas, when the vehicle allegedly failed to drive in a single lane, left the roadway, and struck a brick residence at a high rate of speed. The Tesla entered the home and struck 76-year-old Martha Avila, who was inside. Avila was transported via Life Flight to a local hospital, where she was pronounced deceased from her injuries. Butler, who told authorities the car was operating on autopilot, was also transported to the hospital. Authorities found no signs of intoxication and said Butler was cooperative. Avila's daughter Jennifer Barbour, her husband, and their three young children were also inside the home but were uninjured.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Martha Avila Unknown Fatal
Michael Butler Unknown Hospitalized
Jennifer Barbour Unknown Injured
Barbour's husband Unknown Injured
Michael Butler / Tesla At-fault party

Original reporting

Texas Grandmother Dies After Tesla Allegedly Driving on Autopilot Crashes into Home

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