A Tesla Model 3 driven by Michael Butler crashed into a brick residence in Katy, Texas, around 8 p.m. on June 19, 2026, while an automated driving assistance system was engaged [1, 2, 3]. The crash occurred about 48 kilometers west of Houston.
Butler, 44, failed to maintain a single lane, left the roadway, and entered the home at a high rate of speed, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office [1, 2, 3, 4]. The woman inside struck by the vehicle was 76-year-old Martha Avila. She was airlifted by medical helicopter to a hospital but died from injuries sustained in the crash [1, 4, 2, 3].
Butler was not intoxicated at the time and has been cooperating with investigators [1, 4, 2, 3]. The specific Tesla driving assistance feature engaged during the collision—whether Autopilot or Full Self Driving—has not been confirmed [2]. Tesla has not issued a public comment regarding the crash or its software as of now [1, 4, 2].
The Harris County Sheriff's Office said, "Butler was operating the vehicle with an automated driving assistance system at the time of the crash" and that the driver "failed to drive in a single lane, left the roadway and struck the residence" [1, 3]. Sergeant Alex Turman said, "We’re still evaluating what caused that car to fail to control its speed just before this crash" [1].
On June 21, officials confirmed ongoing investigation into the crash and reiterated the details of the incident [1, 2, 3].
