BREAKING: 79-Year-Old Man Struck by Distracted Driver in Texas — Turns Out to Be Elon Musk’s Father
Published: June 18, 2025
Austin, Texas — A routine afternoon turned into a shocking incident on Monday when a 79-year-old pedestrian was hit by a distracted driver at a busy Austin intersection. To the astonishment of emergency responders, the victim was later identified as Errol Musk, the father of tech billionaire Elon Musk.
The Crash
The accident occurred around 2:45 p.m. at the intersection of South Congress Avenue and Oltorf Street. Witnesses told local authorities that a black SUV ran a red light after the driver appeared to be glancing at his phone, striking the elderly man as he entered the crosswalk.
“He didn’t even slow down,” said one bystander. “People were yelling and waving, but it was too late.”
Errol Musk was thrown several feet from the impact but remained alert and conscious. Paramedics arrived promptly on the scene.
A Startling Discovery
As medics began treating the injured man, his family revealed that he was Errol Musk—the estranged father of Elon Musk, founder of Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter). Though he has mostly avoided media attention in recent years, Errol has long been a controversial figure in the backdrop of his son’s life.
The news rapidly went viral online, with passersby sharing photos and video clips from the scene. The story quickly became a trending topic as concern poured in from across the internet.
Medical Update
Staff at Ascension Seton Medical Center confirmed that Errol Musk sustained a fractured hip, a broken wrist, and several contusions, but is currently listed in stable condition. Doctors say he is expected to recover fully with medical care and physical therapy.
“Given his age and the force of the impact, we’re lucky the outcome wasn’t worse,” said one hospital physician.
Elon Musk Reacts
At the time of the incident, Elon Musk was in California. Upon receiving the news, he reportedly arranged a private jet to fly to Texas to be with his father.
Although the Musk family has had a strained relationship over the years, sources close to the situation say Elon was visibly affected by the accident.
Later that evening, Musk posted a short but heartfelt message on X:
“Life is fragile. Wishing my father a full recovery. Grateful he’s still here.”
The post was met with an outpouring of support from followers around the world.
The Driver & Charges
The driver, a 32-year-old man, was arrested at the scene. Police confirmed he faces multiple charges, including:
-
Reckless driving
-
Running a red light
-
Injury caused by distracted driving
The driver reportedly admitted to texting at the time of the collision.
Community Response
The incident has reignited debate over the dangers of distracted driving—especially in busy urban areas like Austin.
“This could’ve been anyone’s dad or grandpa,” one resident commented. “It’s time we treat distracted driving like the deadly risk it is.”
As Errol Musk begins recovery, the incident serves as a powerful reminder: no one—no matter how famous or wealthy—is immune to the consequences of carelessness on the road.