SXSW — which recently experienced an exodus of artists over the festival's ties to the US Army and defence industry — has issued a statement following a hit-and-run that left one person dead and another critically injured in downtown Austin.
The hit-and-run happened early this morning (Tuesday, March 12). As reported by Fox 7 Austin, two pedestrians were walking at the intersection of 7th Street and Red River just after 1 a.m. when they were struck by a vehicle. One of those hit died at the scene, while the other currently remains in hospital with critical, life-threatening injuries.
SXSW shared in an official statement in response to the incident, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of an individual in downtown Austin following an auto-pedestrian accident shortly after 1:00am this morning. Our thoughts are with all affected by this tragic incident.”
The hit-and-run mirrors a similar incident that happened at the festival’s 2014 edition, wherein 23-year-old aspiring rapper Rashad Owens — who was scheduled to perform as part of the festival — was arrested after killing four and injuring more than 20 others after driving through a closed street while drunk.
See SXSW’s statement below.