Texas woman killed after automated Tesla allegedly drives into home
Greta CrossA Texas woman died after a Tesla allegedly crashed into her home.
Martha Avila, 76, died June 19 after a man driving a Tesla allegedly drove into her home in Katy, Texas, a Houston suburb, according to a Harris County Sheriff's Office news release. Avila was life flighted to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.
At around 8 p.m. CT on June 19, a man was driving his Tesla using the vehicle's automated driving assistance system, when the vehicle left the road, crashing through a home and striking Avila, who was inside, according to the news release. The sheriff's office determined the man was not intoxicated during the crash.
Surveillance footage captured by a camera on the affected home, shared by Avila's daughter Jennifer Barbour on Facebook, shows the vehicle flying off the road before striking the home.
"She was the best grandma anyone could've asked for. A second mother for my kids and a blessing," Barbour told USA TODAY. "We are heartbroken."
Barbour told Houston television station KHOU 11 she was in the backyard at the time of the crash. She found her husband and children before discovering her mother had been struck.
The case is currently under investigation. USA TODAY reached out to the Harris County Sheriff's Office for more information on June 22.
GoFundMe created to finance temporary housing
The now-boarded-up home was occupied by two parents, three young children and Avila at the time of the crash, the family told local television station KHOU 11. Barbour told USA TODAY on June 22 the family is living in a hotel and looking for a short-term rental, as the house is inhabitable due to structural issues.
On June 20, a GoFundMe fundraiser was created for Avila's family to elevate the cost of temporary housing for those affected by the crash and funeral expenses. As of June 22, more than $23,000 had been raised of the $28,000 goal.
This story was updated to add new information.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].