AUSTIN, Texas — A motorcyclist was killed early Tuesday in a crash that halted all northbound traffic on State Highway 130 near FM 969, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
DPS reported that troopers responded at approximately 5:10 a.m. to the scene in Travis County. A preliminary investigation indicates a silver Suzuki motorcycle was traveling northbound when its rear tire blew out, causing the rider to lose control and be thrown onto the roadway.
Authorities said a white SUV struck the rider and initially fled the scene but later returned. The driver is expected to face charges of failure to stop and render aid, a second-degree felony.
Additionally, the motorcyclist was hit by a second vehicle, a Tesla operating in Autopilot mode. Investigators noted that the Tesla driver claimed the vehicle did not recognize the person lying on the road.
The rider was pronounced dead at 5:29 a.m. The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The incident remains under investigation.