Tesla claims driver ‘manually overrode self-driving’ in deadly Texas crash

Published
June 23, 2026
Location
Katy, Texas
residential neighborhood
View on map
Incident type
Crash

Summary

Car Crash Katy Texas in Katy, Texas: A Tesla Model 3 driven by Michael Butler crashed into a home in a residential neighborhood in Katy, Texas, last Friday, killing a 76-year-old woman inside the home. The Harris County Sheriff's Office said the vehicle was being operated with an automated driving assistance system. Tesla AI head Ashok Elluswamy stated on X that the driver manually overrode self-driving by pressing the accelerator to 100%, reaching a speed of 73 mph during the crash, and had the accelerator pressed even after impact. NHTSA has opened an investigation into the crash.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Michael Butler Driver Fatal
Michael Butler / Tesla At-fault party

Original reporting

Tesla claims driver ‘manually overrode self-driving’ in deadly Texas crash | The Verge

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