South Austin, August 21, 2025
News Summary
A deadly two-vehicle accident occurred in South Austin, resulting in the death of a 47-year-old driver, Samson Seablom, and injuring several others, including a pedestrian. James Preston Durbin, 37, has been arrested and faces charges of manslaughter and aggravated assault. Authorities are investigating the incident as concerns about road safety in the area rise. This fatal crash marks the 60th deadly accident recorded in Austin for the year.
South Austin
A man has been arrested following a two-vehicle crash in South Austin on Monday, August 11, which resulted in the death of a 47-year-old driver and injuries to others involved. The incident occurred at approximately 2:37 p.m. at the intersection of South First Street and West William Cannon Drive.
The driver of one vehicle was hospitalized after the crash while the other driver, identified as Samson Seablom, was pronounced dead at the scene. Additionally, a pedestrian sustained injuries from debris generated by the collision and was also taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Authorities have charged James Preston Durbin, 37, with manslaughter in connection with the crash. He is also facing a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon due to the injuries inflicted on the pedestrian. Durbin was subsequently booked into the Travis County Jail, where he is being held on a bond set at $75,000.
Statistical Data on Austin’s Traffic Incidents
Tragically, this crash marks Austin’s 60th deadly accident of the year 2025, resulting in a total of 64 deaths so far. In comparison, during the same timeframe in 2024, Austin recorded 55 deadly crashes leading to 59 fatalities, indicating a concerning increase in traffic-related deaths this year.
Details of the Incident
As responders arrived at the crash scene, they found Seablom’s vehicle severely damaged, and immediate medical attention was provided to those injured. Local authorities conducted an investigation to determine the factors leading to the collision. Witnesses have been interviewed, and further details may emerge as the investigation continues.
Community Impact and Responses
This fatal accident has rekindled concerns about road safety in South Austin, calling attention to the growing number of serious traffic incidents in the area. Local residents and advocates have been increasingly vocal about the need for improved traffic measures and road safety initiatives to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Legal Proceedings
Durbin’s legal process will unfold in the upcoming weeks as prosecutors prepare their case. The charges he faces carry significant penalties if convicted, including substantial jail time for manslaughter and aggravated assault. Authorities continue to encourage community members to report reckless driving and other dangerous behaviors on the road.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of life in the crash serves as a stark reminder of the dangers present on the roads. Local authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution and awareness behind the wheel, as the problem of traffic-related fatalities remains a pressing issue in Austin.
FAQ
- What led to the crash in South Austin?
The specific cause of the crash is under investigation by local authorities. Witnesses are being interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation. - Who are the individuals involved in the crash?
The crash involved two drivers, one of whom, Samson Seablom, was pronounced dead at the scene, and the other, James Preston Durbin, has been arrested and charged. - What charges has James Preston Durbin faced?
James Preston Durbin has been charged with manslaughter and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon related to the incident. - How many traffic fatalities have occurred in Austin so far in 2025?
As of now, there have been a total of 64 traffic fatalities documented in Austin in 2025.
Key Statistics on Traffic Fatalities in Austin
| Year | Deadly Crashes | Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 55 | 59 |
| 2025 | 60 | 64 |
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Additional Resources
- CBS Austin
- Wikipedia: Austin
- KVUE
- Google Search: South Austin Crash 2025
- Austin American-Statesman
- Google Scholar: Traffic Incidents Austin
- AP News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- FOX 7 Austin
- Google News: South Austin Traffic Fatalities
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
