AUSTIN, Texas — Victor Evans Identified as Victim in Deadly North I-35 Crash Early Thursday Morning

AUSTIN, Texas — Victor Evans Identified as Victim in Deadly North I-35 Crash Early Thursday Morning

AUSTIN, Texas — Authorities are investigating a fatal collision that occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning in North Austin, claiming the life of Victor Evans, a local resident whose sudden death has left his family and community in mourning.

According to a statement from the Austin Police Department (APD), the crash happened around 2:15 a.m. on the 12200 block of North Interstate 35, in the northbound lanes, just past Parmer Lane. Officers were dispatched after receiving multiple emergency calls reporting a multi-vehicle collision with possible injuries.

When first responders arrived, they found multiple vehicles with severe damage. Victor Evans, who was driving one of the vehicles involved, was pronounced dead at the scene by Austin-Travis County EMS. He was 32 years old, according to family members.

Details of the Crash

While the investigation remains ongoing, preliminary reports indicate that three vehicles were involved in the crash. Investigators believe that speed and possibly impairment may have been contributing factors.

APD has not yet released the names of other drivers or passengers involved, though one individual was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and another was treated at the scene.

Traffic on I-35 northbound was shut down for several hours overnight as crash reconstruction teams worked to collect evidence, photograph the scene, and interview witnesses. Lanes were gradually reopened by 8:30 a.m., but significant delays were reported during the early morning commute.

Who Was Victor Evans?

Friends and family describe Victor Evans as a hardworking, kind-hearted, and loyal friend who was always willing to lend a hand. A lifelong Texan and proud Austin resident, Evans worked in the local construction industry and had recently started his own small business with the dream of becoming a contractor.

“Victor was the kind of person who made you laugh even on the worst day,” said Tasha Reynolds, a longtime friend. “He didn’t deserve this. No one does. He was just getting his life on track.”

Evans is survived by his parents, two sisters, and a young daughter, whom family say he adored more than anything in the world.

Investigation Ongoing

The Austin Police Department’s Vehicular Homicide Unit is actively investigating the incident. While no arrests have been made, APD officers are conducting toxicology tests and reviewing dashcam footage and traffic surveillance video to determine the exact cause of the crash.

“We are asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who may have seen any of the vehicles involved just prior to 2:15 a.m. to contact our Traffic Investigations Unit,” said APD spokesperson Officer Destiny Silva.

Anyone with information is urged to call the APD Vehicular Homicide tip line at (512) 974-8111, or submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (512) 472-TIPS.

Community Reaction and Road Safety Concerns

This latest tragedy adds to growing concerns over traffic fatalities in the Austin area. According to city data, traffic-related deaths are up 14% this year compared to the same time last year, with I-35 remaining one of the most dangerous corridors in Central Texas.

Local residents have long called for increased traffic enforcement, better road lighting, and improved infrastructure to reduce high-speed collisions, especially during late-night and early-morning hours.

“This is not the first time we’ve lost someone on this stretch of I-35, and it won’t be the last unless we take serious steps,” said District 7 Council Member Leslie Pool. “My heart goes out to Victor’s family. We owe them more than just condolences — we owe them action.”

Remembering Victor Evans

In the wake of his sudden death, friends have begun organizing a memorial vigil to be held this weekend near the site of the crash. A GoFundMe page has also been launched to support funeral expenses and provide care for Evans’ daughter.

“We want to remember Victor not just for the tragedy of how he died, but for the love and light he brought into this world,” said his cousin, Marcus Bell. “He mattered. His life mattered.”

Citywide Push for Safer Roads

Thursday’s deadly crash underscores the urgency of the City of Austin’s Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic deaths through better design, enforcement, and education. Officials are now facing renewed calls to implement further safety measures along I-35 and other high-risk corridors.

Meanwhile, Victor Evans’ loved ones are left trying to piece together a future without him — a future that, just days ago, was filled with promise, plans, and hope.

🕯️ Victor Evans
Gone too soon, but never forgotten.
1993 – 2025