AUSTIN, Texas — 20-Year-Old Erica Garza Dies After Hit-and-Run in Downtown Austin: Community Mourns a Life Full of Promise
A family’s worst nightmare has become a reality, and a city is mourning the heartbreaking loss of a young woman whose future was stolen in a senseless act of violence on the streets of downtown Austin. Erica Garza, just 20 years old, succumbed to her injuries after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run incident on May 11. Her family confirmed that she was removed from life support and passed away on May 16, surrounded by loved ones.
According to the Austin Police Department, the hit-and-run occurred just before 5 a.m. in the 700 block of East 7th Street, a busy stretch in the heart of downtown. Police say Garza and two male pedestrians were crossing the street when a vehicle barreled toward them, striking all three before fleeing the scene. The driver, still unidentified, sped away northbound on the North I-35 frontage road, leaving behind chaos and devastation.
While the two male victims sustained only minor injuries, Erica Garza was critically wounded and rushed to a nearby hospital, where she remained in critical condition for five days before her family made the excruciating decision to remove her from life support.
A Vibrant Life Cut Tragically Short
Family and friends describe Erica as someone who radiated warmth and ambition. A recent graduate, she had just embarked on the next chapter of her life, securing two jobs and saving up to buy her first car—a milestone she had been dreaming of and working toward diligently.
“She had so many things she wanted to accomplish,” her mother, Christina Ibarra, told CBS Austin through tears. “That was taken from her—and from us. She was hardworking, thoughtful, and had the biggest heart.”
Her family, still grappling with the shock of her sudden death, remembers her not only for her dedication and drive but also for the way she made others feel. “She was the kind of person who remembered your birthday, asked how your day was, and meant it,” said one cousin. “You don’t get many people like that.”
Growing Calls for Justice
As the investigation enters its second week, Austin police continue to search for the driver responsible for the crash. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is being reviewed, and authorities are urging any witnesses or people with dashcam or cellphone video from the area at the time to come forward.
“This is not just a traffic incident—this is a hit-and-run homicide,” an Austin police spokesperson said. “Someone out there knows something, and we need that person to speak up. Erica deserves justice. Her family deserves answers.”
The vehicle involved is described only as a dark-colored sedan, possibly with front-end damage. The Hit and Run Unit of the Austin Police Department is leading the case.
Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Central Texas at 512-472-TIPS or online at austincrimestoppers.org.
Community Response
Erica’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief across social media, where friends and strangers alike are sharing memories, condolences, and outrage at the circumstances of her death.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established by the family to help cover funeral expenses and support her mother during this time of mourning. Within 24 hours, the campaign had raised thousands of dollars, a testament to the impact Erica had in her short life.
Local leaders and community activists are also using this tragedy to highlight broader concerns about pedestrian safety and the increasing number of hit-and-run cases in Austin. “It’s heartbreaking and it’s unacceptable,” said a representative from a local pedestrian advocacy group. “No one should die crossing a city street. No one should be left to die in the road.”
A Legacy of Kindness
As Austin comes to terms with this senseless loss, Erica’s legacy endures—in the lives she touched, the dreams she pursued, and the love she left behind. Her family says they will continue to push for accountability and honor her memory through acts of service and community