Fatal Crash near Austin-Bergstrom Airport Claims Life of 19-year-old Motorcyclist

On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at around 5:48 a.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers were called to the scene of a collision between a car and a motorcycle in the 1900 block of East Highway 71 (eastbound). The motorcyclist, identified as 19-year-old Zachery Jonaitis, lost his life at the scene.

The occupants of the car, including the driver and a passenger, escaped the incident without injuries. The driver stayed at the scene and fully cooperated with the ongoing investigation.

This incident marks the 78th fatal crash in Austin for the year 2023, resulting in a total of 81 fatalities. A comparison with the same date in 2022 reveals a decrease, as 95 fatal crashes occurred, leading to 99 deaths.

Authorities stress that the details provided are part of the initial assessment of the crash, and the investigation is still underway.

Anyone with any information should contact APD’s Vehicular Homicide unit at 512-974-8111. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477.