News Summary
A 28-year-old woman, Lily Bao Do, has been charged in relation to a hit-and-run incident that led to the death of 20-year-old Erica Garza in downtown Austin. The collision occurred on May 11, injuring three pedestrians. Garza succumbed to her injuries days later, resulting in her death being classified as a hit-and-run fatality. The Austin Police Department is seeking further tips from the community as they conduct an ongoing investigation into this tragic event, which has raised concerns about road safety in the area.
Austin – A 28-year-old woman has been charged in connection with the fatal hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of a 20-year-old woman in downtown Austin. The Austin Police Department (APD) reported that Lily Bao Do surrendered herself to authorities concerning the death of Erica Garza.
The tragic event occurred on May 11 at approximately 4:59 a.m. in the 700 block of E. Seventh Street, near the intersection of Red River Street and Interstate 35. At this location, a vehicle struck three pedestrians, including Garza. After the collision, the vehicle fled the scene and proceeded northbound on the I-35 frontage road.
While two male pedestrians sustained only minor injuries, Garza suffered severe injuries as a result of the impact. She was later pronounced dead on May 16, several days after the incident, leading to her death being classified as a hit-and-run fatality.
The collision was recorded by HALO cameras, which provided crucial evidence for the investigation. The police were able to identify the vehicle owner with the assistance of Flock license plate reader cameras, facilitating the charges against Do. She now faces two serious offenses: accident involving death, which is classified as a second-degree felony, and accident involving serious bodily injury, which is classified as a third-degree felony.
This hit-and-run incident has been classified as the 30th fatal crash of 2025 in Austin. It contributes to a broader increase in road fatalities, bringing the total number of deaths on the roads this year to 34, a concerning trend for the community.
Following this incident, the APD is conducting an ongoing investigation and is actively seeking tips and information from the public. They encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist in the investigation and to foster a safer environment for pedestrians and drivers alike.
The heart-wrenching circumstances surrounding Erica Garza’s death have sparked renewed conversations about road safety and the responsibilities of drivers to ensure the safety of pedestrians. The APD emphasizes the importance of accountability in traffic incidents and is committed to pursuing justice for Garza and her family.
As the investigation continues, authorities hope to gather additional evidence and perhaps even locate further witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the fatal collision.
The community mourns the loss of a vibrant young life and hopes that incidents like these catalyze effective changes to road safety measures in Austin. The ongoing investigation and forthcoming legal proceedings against Lily Bao Do will be closely monitored as the city grapples with the implications of this tragic event.
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Additional Resources
- FOX 7 Austin – Woman Killed in Deadly Hit-and-Run
- Wikipedia: Hit-and-Run (Vehicular)
- CBS Austin – Pedestrian Dead After Being Hit by Car
- Google Search: Austin Hit-and-Run Incidents
- Hoodline – Austin Community Mourns as Hit-and-Run Claims Life
- Google Scholar: Road Safety for Pedestrians
- KVUE – 7th Street Hit-and-Run Crash Victim
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- CBS Austin – Pedestrian Killed Overnight Near School
- Google News: Fatal Traffic Accidents 2025
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.
