City of Austin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASERelease Date:
Contact: APD Public Information Office 512-974-5017 Email
Case: 22-2340227
Time: 5:03 a.m.
Date: August 22, 2022
Location: 8600 block of Hwy 71 EB
Deceased: Shala Morgan, White female, 6/11/1970
On August 22, 2022, at approximately 5:03 a.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a six-vehicle collision in the 8600 block of Hwy 71 EB. The box truck driver was traveling east bound in the 8600 Blk. of Hwy 71, approaching the intersection of Covered Bridge. Five vehicles were stopped at a red light when the box truck driver failed to maintain an assured clear distance, striking the five cars.
The driver of one of those vehicles, Shala Morgan, died at the scene. All other drivers remained on the scene and are cooperating with the investigation. The investigation is still active.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Highway Investigation Tip Line at 512-974-8111, utilize the Crime Stoppers tip line at 512-472-8477 (TIPS), or the Crime Stoppers app.
This crash is being investigated as Austin’s 66th fatal crash of 2022, resulting in 67 fatalities for the year. On the date of this crash in 2021, there were 74 fatal crashes resulting in 80 fatalities.
These statements are from the initial assessment of the fatal crash and investigation is still pending. Fatality information may change.