City of Austin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASERelease Date:
Contact: Public Information Office 512-974-5017 Email
Case: 21-0520207
Date: February 21, 2021
Time: 2:35 a.m.
Location: 10300 block of N. IH-35 SB
Deceased: Jose Rufino Cortez De Paz, Hispanic male, 11/29/1953
The preliminary investigation shows that Jose Rufino Cortez De Paz was driving a maroon, 1989 Chevrolet 1500 pickup the wrong way in the 10300 block of N. IH-35 SB on February 21, 2021 at approximately 2:35 a.m. He crashed head on with a black, 2006 Peterbilt tractor trailer.
Mr. Cortez De Paz was pronounced deceased on scene.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this case should call APD’s Vehicular Homicide Unit Detectives at (512) 974-4424. You can also submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.
This is Austin’s 19th fatal traffic crash of 2021, resulting in 21 fatalities for the year. On the date of this crash in 2020, there were 19 fatal crashes resulting in 20 fatalities.
These statements are from the initial assessment of the fatal crash and investigation is still pending. Fatality information may change.