In a tragic incident late last week, a man was struck and killed on East Riverside Drive in Austin, marking the city's 24th traffic fatality of the year. The Austin Police Department reported that at around 2:26 a.m. on Friday, Aaron Alcala Hernandez was hit by a vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, Dontay Waffer, is facing charges related to the fatal collision.

According to a release by the Austin Police Department, Waffer is booked on an Accident Involving Death and DWI charges. Last year at this time, Austin had recorded 30 fatal crashes, leading to as many fatalities. This year's figures indicate a marginal decline in traffic-related deaths, though this recent event casts a somber tone over the statistics.

The Vehicular Homicide unit of APD is handling the ongoing investigation. They are calling on the public for any information that could shed light on the circumstances leading up to the crash. As per the Austin Police Department, Hernandez's death, anchored in the crude permanence of mortality, reflects a continuing challenge that Austin and cities nationwide contend with—curbing traffic fatalities.

Individuals with knowledge about the crash can reach the APD's Vehicular Homicide unit at 512-974-8111, while anonymous tips can be directed to the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program. Tips can be submitted through austincrimestoppers.org, or by calling 512-472-8477, the organization seeks information that could aid in the delivery of justice for the fallen and clarity for the city gripped by this loss.