City of Austin

Case:              19-3181630

Date:              Thursday, November 14, 2019

Time:              8:36 p.m.

Location:       1100 block of E. 51^st  St.  

Deceased:      Rachelle Velin Covey, White female (D.O.B. 11-24-70)

The preliminary investigation shows that a 2017, white Jeep Wrangler was traveling eastbound in the inside lane of E. 51^st St. when it struck a pedestrian who was attempting to cross the roadway. The pedestrian, Rachelle Velin Covey, was not within a crosswalk and was attempting to cross five lanes of traffic in an area that is dimly lit. The driver of the vehicle remained on scene and is cooperating with the investigation. No charges are expected to be filed at this time.

The pedestrian was transported to Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas where she died later that evening as a result of his injuries.
 
Anyone with information regarding this case should call APD’s Vehicular Homicide Unit at (512) 974-4278. You can also submit tips by downloading Austin PD’s free mobile app on iPhone and Android. 

This is Austin’s 72^nd fatal traffic crash of 2019, resulting in 74 fatalities this year. At this time in 2018, there were 66 fatal traffic crashes and 67 traffic fatalities. 

These statements are from the initial assessment of the fatal crash and investigation is still pending. Fatality information may change.