Case:          19-2291933

Date:           Saturday, August 17, 2019

Time:          10:20 p.m.

Location:    4500 FM 2222/Mount Bonnell Road   

Deceased 1:  Cedric Benson | Black male | 12/28/1982

Deceased 2:  Aamna Najam | Asian female | 01/26/1992

The preliminary investigation yielded testimony from witnesses who reported seeing the BMW motorcycle driven by Cedric Benson traveling at a high rate of speed westbound in the left lane of FM 2222. A white, 2014 Dodge van was stopped at the T-intersection of Mount Bonnell Road and FM 2222. After checking for oncoming traffic, the van attempted to turn left on to FM 2222 when it was struck by the oncoming motorcycle.
 
The driver of the van was evaluated by EMS on scene and refused transport. The passenger of the van and a bystander at the scene attempted to render aid to Mr. Benson and his passenger Aamna Najam. Cedric Benson and Aamna Najam were both pronounced on scene.
 
The van driver remained on scene and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
 
The family of Cedric Benson respectfully requests privacy during this difficult time and asks that media refrain from contacting them.
 
Anyone with information regarding this case should call APD’s Vehicular Homicide Unit at (512) 974-4424. You can also submit tips by downloading Austin PD’s free mobile app on iPhone and Android. 

This is Austin’s 50^th fatal traffic crash of 2019, resulting in 52 fatalities this year. At this time in 2018, there were 41 fatal traffic crashes and 42 traffic fatalities.

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