Katy Woman Killed When Tesla Goes Through Home
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 23
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 18, 2026
Updated: June 23, 2026
By Natalie Cook Clark
A Tesla crashed through a Katy home tonight that resulted in the death of a senior woman. Now Tesla and Elon Musk have responded to the driver's claim that the vehicle was in a self-driving mode.
Around 8:00 p.m. on June 18, 2026 a Tesla crashed into a Katy home at the 21300 block of Rose Hollow Lane in the Westgreen Park community. The resident, a woman, was taken to the hospital by Lifeflight and later died from her injuries.
Investigators report that the 76-year-old woman was standing in her living room when the vehicle came through the home.
The victim has now been identified as Martha Avila, a grandmother and beloved Katy community member. A Go Fund Me account has been created to support her family during this challenging time. As of the update of this story over $32K has been raised.
Multiple agencies responded to the incident and multiple occupants were reportedly trapped inside the Tesla.
The driver, 44-year-old Michael Butler sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. He is working with authorities and claims that his Tesla 3 was in the automative driving mode at the time of the accident. So far no charges have been filed.
Today, June 23, 2026, an official with Tesla clarified that the autodrive was disengaged when the driver accelerated the vehicle. While the driver showed no signs of intoxication, authorities say he failed to stay in his lane and accelerated and a high speed into the home.
Elon Musk responded on social media in regards to the claim that the vehicle was in self-driving mode.
"Yes, this makes no sense. FSD drives slowly through neighborhood streets and this was a high speed crash," says Musk.
Butler failed to drive in a single lane, left the roadway, and struck the residence, the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Constable Terry Allbritton’s deputies are still investigating the accident. As of now, now charges have been filed.
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