Austin Police Identify Pedestrian Killed in Southeast Austin Crash
AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Police Department has officially identified the pedestrian who tragically lost their life following a crash that occurred in Southeast Austin earlier this month. The victim has been named as 50-year-old Nakia L. Dawson, a resident whose life was unexpectedly cut short in a devastating incident that has left family and friends mourning his passing.
The crash happened in the early hours of Thursday, July 18, when Austin Police officers responded to reports of a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian in the 8000 block of South IH-35 Northbound Service Road. The call came in at approximately 3:07 a.m., and emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene.
According to police reports, the driver involved in the collision remained on the scene and fully cooperated with law enforcement officers during the initial investigation. There were no immediate signs of impairment or reckless driving reported, and the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under review by the Austin Police Department’s Vehicular Homicide Unit.
Following the collision, Nakia Dawson was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries. After days of critical care, Dawson was pronounced deceased at 2:58 p.m. on July 22, four days after the crash. The medical team’s efforts to save his life were ultimately unsuccessful, and the announcement of his passing was met with heartbreak by those who knew and loved him.
This tragic incident marks Austin’s 52nd fatal crash of 2025, contributing to a grim tally of 56 traffic-related fatalities in the city so far this year. The growing number of pedestrian fatalities has sparked renewed conversations in Austin around road safety, pedestrian infrastructure, and the critical need for drivers to remain vigilant—especially during early morning and late-night hours when visibility is reduced.
Friends and relatives of Nakia Dawson are remembering him as a kind-hearted individual whose life had value and meaning far beyond the tragic statistics. His sudden and unexpected death is a painful reminder of how quickly lives can be lost on busy roads, even when drivers are not acting with malicious intent.
Authorities continue to investigate the exact circumstances of the crash, including visibility factors, pedestrian right-of-way laws, and environmental conditions at the time. The Austin Police Department’s Vehicular Homicide Unit is urging anyone with additional information about the crash to come forward. Witnesses or those with relevant details are encouraged to contact investigators directly at 512-974-8111.
As the city continues to grapple with an alarming rise in traffic fatalities, local officials and advocacy groups are calling for stronger measures to protect pedestrians and make Austin’s streets safer for all road users. In the meantime, the community pauses to remember Nakia L. Dawson and extend heartfelt condolences to his loved ones during this time of profound grief.
