Victor Lamar Evans II Obituary, Death – A tragic wrong-way crash on Interstate 35 in north Austin earlier this month has claimed the life of a young man, with police officially identifying the victim as 23-year-old Victor Lamar Evans II. The incident, which unfolded in the early morning hours of September 18, has added to the growing number of deadly crashes recorded in the city this year.
According to the Austin Police Department (APD), the collision occurred at approximately 2:16 a.m. in the 12300 block of northbound I-35, near the Parmer Lane exit. Emergency calls reported a serious multi-vehicle accident, prompting officers and first responders to rush to the scene.
Investigators determined that a sedan, driven by Evans, was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of I-35. Driving against traffic, the vehicle collided head-on with an 18-wheeler truck and then struck another sedan, creating a violent chain reaction. The impact was so severe that Evans died at the scene before emergency personnel could intervene.
The driver of the 18-wheeler and the occupants of the second sedan were reportedly treated at the scene. Police have not released further details about their conditions, though early indications suggest their injuries were not life-threatening.
This crash has been officially classified as the 73rd fatal crash in Austin in 2025, resulting in the city’s 76th roadway death of the year. Authorities noted that wrong-way crashes, though less frequent than other types of roadway incidents, are often devastating due to the high speeds and direct nature of the collisions.
The Austin Police Department has not yet confirmed how or why Evans entered the northbound lanes while heading south. Investigators are working to determine if factors such as impairment, fatigue, or confusion may have played a role. Wrong-way driving is a known hazard, particularly during overnight hours when visibility is lower, and police have urged drivers to remain alert and cautious.
The tragic death of Evans II underscores broader concerns about traffic safety in the Austin area. With more than 70 fatal crashes recorded so far this year, the city continues to grapple with rising roadway deaths despite ongoing safety campaigns. Officials have been working to reduce traffic fatalities through education, enforcement, and roadway improvements, but wrong-way crashes remain a troubling challenge.
Community members who frequently drive along the I-35 corridor, especially the stretch near Parmer Lane, expressed concern after the incident, noting that the highway can be confusing in certain areas due to its numerous exits, frontage roads, and heavy traffic patterns. These factors, combined with late-night driving conditions, can increase the risk of serious accidents.
Authorities have encouraged drivers to call 911 immediately if they spot a wrong-way driver, as quick reporting can sometimes prevent tragedies. They also emphasize the importance of staying in the right lane at night on highways, since wrong-way drivers most often occupy the far-left lane when traveling against traffic.
While details about Evans’ background have not been released, his death adds to the mounting toll of young lives lost on Austin’s roadways in recent years. The APD continues its investigation and has asked anyone with information or dashcam footage from the crash scene to come forward.
For now, the wreck serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of wrong-way driving and the importance of vigilance behind the wheel. As investigators work to determine the circumstances that led to this fatal collision, city officials remain committed to finding ways to improve traffic safety and prevent similar tragedies.
