A 76-year-old woman was killed when a Tesla, reportedly on Autopilot, crashed into her home in Katy, Texas. The incident occurred at 8:30 PM when the vehicle failed to control its speed and went off the road. The driver was hospitalized, and the woman was airlifted but later pronounced dead. Witnesses described the crash as shocking and quick. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, specifically the role of Autopilot and the driver's control.

Car Into Building

Driver told deputies Tesla was on Autopilot during crash through Katy-area home, killing woman: HCSO

Sarah Al-Shaikh Image

BySarah Al-Shaikh KTRK logo

Sunday, June 21, 2026 2:39AM

Driver says Tesla on Autopilot caused deadly Katy-area crash: HCSO

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A 76-year-old woman was killed after a Tesla crashed through a home in the Katy area on Friday evening, authorities say.

According to the Harris County Precinct 5 Constable's Office, the Tesla crashed into a home in the 21300 block of Rose Hollow Lane near Park Brush Lane at 8:30 p.m. The driver told investigators that he had the Tesla on Autopilot, according to the constable's office.

"We're still evaluating what caused that car to fail to control its speed just before this crash," said Sgt. A. Turman. "We've asked people who are familiar with Teslas, as well as the driver involved in the car, to see what role the driver's control over the car played in this crash."

Officials said the driver of the Tesla was taken to the hospital by ambulance, and the older woman, who was inside the house, was taken by helicopter to Memorial Hermann. According to the Harris County Sheriff's Office, the woman was later pronounced dead.

Neighbor Bryan Diaz said he and his family were outside celebrating a birthday party when the crash happened.

"The kids were scared and my mom and my uncles," Diaz said. "It's insane what just happened, especially right in front of us."

Diaz told Eyewitness News the Tesla appeared to be driving fast on the road before the vehicle failed to stop and struck the home.

HCSO stated the driver failed to drive in a single lane, left the roadway, and struck the house at a high rate of speed.

Video obtained by Eyewitness News showed the car speeding along the street moments before the crash.

"Just flew straight into their home and just happened so quick," Diaz said.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.

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Driver told deputies Tesla was on Autopilot during crash through Katy-area home, killing woman: HCSO

Driver told deputies Tesla was on Autopilot during crash through Katy-area home, killing woman: HCSO

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