The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating a fatal crash involving a Tesla Model 3 that killed an elderly woman in Texas. The driver, Michael Butler, reported to police that he was using the vehicle's automated driver-assistance system at the time of the incident. Harris County Sheriff’s Office noted that Butler was not intoxicated and is assisting with the investigation, which will assess the role of Tesla's Autopilot feature in the crash. Preliminary reports indicate that Butler lost control of the vehicle, veering off the road and colliding with the home at a high speed.
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NHTSA Launches Investigation into Fatal Tesla Autopilot Crash in Texas
Ars Technica· Ashley Belanger· Tuesday, June 23, 2026
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