AUSTIN, Texas — June 5, 2025 — A three-vehicle collision on Wednesday night in southeast Austin has claimed the life of a 66-year-old woman and left others injured, according to the Austin Police Department. The deadly crash took place around 9 p.m. at the intersection of East Ben White Service Road Westbound and East Riverside Drive.
Police say the crash involved two sedans and a pickup truck. Officers arrived on the scene to find multiple victims, some of whom had to be transported to the hospital. Lisa Gail Cooper, the driver of one of the sedans, was taken to a nearby medical facility where she later died from her injuries. A passenger in her vehicle was also hospitalized but is expected to recover.
Investigators are still working to determine what caused the crash. Details about how the vehicles collided have not yet been made public, and no charges have been announced at this time. The drivers and passengers of the other vehicles sustained either minor injuries or were unharmed, officials said.
This fatal crash marks the 38th deadly traffic incident in Austin this year, bringing the total number of roadway deaths to 42. At this same time in 2024, the city had recorded 33 fatal crashes resulting in 34 deaths, highlighting a disturbing increase in traffic fatalities year-over-year.
Authorities are asking for the public’s help as they continue to investigate the incident. The Austin Police Department’s Vehicular Homicide Unit is encouraging anyone with relevant information to come forward. Witnesses can contact the unit directly at 512-974-8111. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-TIPS (8477).
Lisa Gail Cooper’s death has brought renewed attention to roadway safety in the city. Community members and officials alike are expressing concern over the rise in traffic-related fatalities and urging all drivers to exercise greater caution. As investigations continue, Cooper is being remembered as a longtime Austin resident whose life was tragically cut short in a moment of chaos on the road.
