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Tesla Model 3 crashes into Katy, TX home killing 76-year-old Martha Avila; NHTSA opens special crash investigation

[FATALITY]

Jun 19, 2026 · Tesla · Tesla Robotaxi (Model Y ADS) · Orlando, Florida, USA

All Incidents

Failure Mode

FATALITY

Event Date

Jun 19, 2026

Primary Entity

Tesla

Robotic Platform

Tesla Robotaxi (Model Y ADS)

Jurisdiction / Location

Orlando, Florida, USA

Audit Standard

Physical State Verified

Incident Abstract & Audit Findings

A Tesla Model 3 reportedly using an advanced driver assistance system slammed into a home in Katy, Texas on June 19, 2026, killing 76-year-old Martha Avila inside. The driver, Michael Butler, 44, was charged with manslaughter. NHTSA opened a special crash investigation on June 22, 2026, the most in-depth form of inquiry the agency conducts.

System & Fleet Architecture

Operating Manufacturer

TeslaView Manufacturer

Hardware Platform

Tesla Robotaxi (Model Y ADS)

Operational Sectors

Humanoids

Primary Sources & Evidentiary Filings

  • https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-opens-probe-into-fatal-tesla-crash-into-texas-home-2026-06-22/

    https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-opens-probe-into-fatal-tesla-crash-into-texas-home-2026-06-22/

  • https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/22/tesla-nhtsa-model-3-crash-autopilot-katy-texas.html

    https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/22/tesla-nhtsa-model-3-crash-autopilot-katy-texas.html

  • https://apnews.com/article/tesla-selfdriving-robotaxis-crash-investigation-musk-d0a9a3fbe237b6f7f9b6d33be618e946

    https://apnews.com/article/tesla-selfdriving-robotaxis-crash-investigation-musk-d0a9a3fbe237b6f7f9b6d33be618e946

Related Incidents & Failure Precedents

6 records on file

Incident Context & FAQ

What happened in Tesla Model 3 crashes into Katy, TX home killing 76-year-old Martha Avila; NHTSA opens special crash investigation?

A Tesla Model 3 reportedly using an advanced driver assistance system slammed into a home in Katy, Texas on June 19, 2026, killing 76-year-old Martha Avila inside. The driver, Michael Butler, 44, was charged with manslaughter. NHTSA opened a special crash investigation on June 22, 2026, the most in-depth form of inquiry the agency conducts.

When did this incident occur?

The incident is recorded as occurring on June 19, 2026 on the DEPLOY registry. The date reflects the underlying real-world event, not the registry record's creation date.

What robot was involved in Tesla Model 3 crashes into Katy, TX home killing 76-year-old Martha Avila; NHTSA opens special crash investigation?

Tesla Robotaxi (Model Y ADS) by Tesla is the recorded robot involved in this incident at Orlando, Florida, USA.

Has anyone responded to Tesla Model 3 crashes into Katy, TX home killing 76-year-old Martha Avila; NHTSA opens special crash investigation?

No responses to this incident are recorded on the DEPLOY registry. Operators, manufacturers, or affected parties can submit responses to the editorial team; absence is not a guarantee no response was issued.

What is the current status of Tesla Model 3 crashes into Katy, TX home killing 76-year-old Martha Avila; NHTSA opens special crash investigation?

This incident is an active record on the DEPLOY registry; no retraction or correction has been issued.