AUSTIN — The Austin community is grieving the tragic loss of 19-year-old Jonhatan Rodriguez, who passed away Tuesday morning following a fatal crash on the MoPac Expressway.
According to the Austin Police Department, the crash occurred just after 9 a.m. on southbound MoPac near U.S. Highway 183 and the Anderson Lane exit. Investigators believe the incident involved a rear-end collision between two vehicles traveling in the same direction. Rodriguez, one of the drivers involved, was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:27 a.m. Police said his fatal injuries were consistent with trauma sustained during the collision.
The other driver involved in the crash remained at the scene and cooperated fully with authorities. No additional injuries were reported.
The collision forced the closure of the southbound lanes of MoPac Expressway for several hours as detectives worked to document the scene and investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. The highway reopened to traffic around 12:30 p.m.
Austin police said the crash is considered the city’s 88th fatal crash of the year, bringing the total number of traffic-related deaths in Austin to 92. By comparison, on the same date in 2024, the city had recorded 87 fatal crashes resulting in 90 deaths.
Family members, friends, and loved ones are left mourning the sudden loss of a young life taken far too soon. The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of condolences and reflection on the importance of roadway safety.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to the crash is asked to contact APD’s Vehicular Homicide Unit at 512-974-8111 or submit an anonymous tip through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program website or by calling 512-472-8477.