An elderly Texas woman died Friday after a Tesla driver using Autopilot lost control and crashed into her family’s home at high speed. Martha Avila, 76, was standing in the front room when the Tesla Model 3 plowed through the front wall.
The driver, Michael Butler, told police he had an automated driving assistance system engaged at the time. He was not intoxicated and is cooperating with investigators. A doorbell camera captured the moment of impact, and photos shared by the local constable show extensive structural damage to the home.
Avila’s daughter, Jennifer Barbour, said her mother was in good health and on no medications. She had expected her mother to live to 100, like her grandmother. The family is now living in a hotel while they wait for answers about whether the car or the driver is to blame.
The crash happened just one day after Tesla’s X account posted an ad showing drivers with their hands off the wheel, goofing off. The day after the fatal crash, Tesla’s account reposted a fan’s claim that the technology is magical and lifesaving.
Tesla is currently pushing the NHTSA to relax rules that would let automated vehicle makers remove displays showing transmission shift positions. Critics say this removes important safety information from drivers who may need to take over in an emergency.
The family remains devastated and is waiting for the investigation to determine exactly what went wrong.
