Family Seeks Answers After Christmas Eve Fatal Hit-and-Run in Austin

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A Tragic Incident on Christmas Eve

A 35-year-old woman was killed in a car accident on Christmas Eve in South Austin. The incident has left the victim's family searching for clarity and answers regarding the circumstances of her death.

The Incident

On December 24th, around 8:14 p.m., a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on Slaughter Lane near Francia Trail. According to police, the driver remained at the scene and was not impaired. However, the victim’s family is questioning the findings and believes a more thorough investigation is necessary.

The victim has been identified as Arianna Williams. Her mother, Toni Savage, shared her sentiments about her daughter, saying, "Even though she was going through her issues and struggling, my daughter was a sweet, kind person, and she was loved by everybody."

Family's Concerns

Despite the police statement that the driver was cooperative and not impaired, the family feels that the extent of Arianna’s injuries suggests the driver may have been speeding. "That made me feel like maybe the driver was going way above 40 mph when he hit her," said Toni Savage.

Derrick Savage, Arianna's stepfather, added, "I understand that the road is 40 mph, but when I was taking pictures and everything, people are driving really fast on that road."

Requesting Transparency

The family is urging for a complete review of any surveillance cameras in the area to gain a clearer understanding of what happened. "I just wanted to make sure that her case is thoroughly researched and that those cameras are checked, and we are provided correct information about her death," said Toni Savage.

They also expressed concern over the whereabouts of Arianna’s belongings. "My daughter always has her information with her, her bags, everything with her everywhere she goes. We weren't told, where are her belongings? They had to identify her through her fingerprints," she said.

Police Response

Austin Police Department (APD) responded to these concerns with a statement: "This is an open and ongoing investigation, and it is being investigated thoroughly. At all fatalities, the surviving driver is tested by a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) to see if they are intoxicated and if so, appropriate charges are filed. We are in the process of looking at speeds and a reconstruction of the crash will be completed. Detectives did canvass for video in the area of the crash. Further details will be provided to the family once they are obtained."

How You Can Help

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact APD’s Vehicular Homicide Unit at 512-974-8111. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477.

Toni Savage emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation, stating, "I still want to make sure that her case is accurately checked out, because my daughter was not homeless. She had a place to live. She had family around that could help her if she needed help."

Statistics and Context

This incident marks the 93rd fatal crash of 2025 in Austin. Recent data from 2025 shows there were 94 fatal crashes resulting in 98 deaths.