Pedestrian killed after being hit by car on 71

AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin Police Department is investigating a fatal collision after a pedestrian was hit and killed early in the morning on Friday, December 18. Officials have identified the victim as 35-year-old Jesse Jay Gomez, Jr. 

Police say that the preliminary investigation shows that Gomez was in the 3100 block of Highway 71 just after 6 a.m. when witnesses reported seeing Gomez walking toward traffic and forcing multiple vehicles to swerve to avoid hitting him.

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The driver of a black, 2016 Ford Expedition noticed vehicles ahead of him in the middle lane veering to the left and police say the driver believed there was a traffic hazard ahead so the driver took evasive action and moved to the right. That's when the driver stuck Gomez who was walking on the roadway.

According to police, a pedestrian was hit by at least two cars on eastbound 71, near FM 973, around 6:18 a.m. on Friday, Dec 18. 

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Gomez was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle remained at the crash site and police say no charges are expected.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this case should call APD’s Vehicular Homicide Unit Detectives at (512) 974-6873. You can also submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.