BREAKING: Distracted Driver Hits 79-Year-Old Man in Texas — Rescue Crews Shocked to Discover He’s Elon Musk’s Father
Texas — In a startling and emotional turn of events on Monday afternoon, a 79-year-old man was struck by a distracted driver who failed to stop at a red light. The accident occurred at a busy intersection in Austin, Texas, where the man was walking with his family. Moments later, emergency responders discovered the victim was none other than Errol Musk, the father of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk.
The Incident
The collision happened around 2:45 p.m. near the intersection of South Congress Avenue and Oltorf Street, according to the Austin Police Department. Eyewitnesses say the driver of a black SUV appeared to be looking down at his phone, missed the red light, and struck the elderly man as he stepped into the crosswalk.
“He never even touched the brakes,” one witness said. “It was terrifying — people were yelling, trying to warn him, but it was too late.”
Errol Musk was thrown several feet by the impact but remained conscious. Paramedics were called immediately and arrived within minutes.
A Shocking Revelation
Once on scene, emergency crews began treating the injured man and were reportedly shocked when a family member identified him as Errol Musk, father of Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk. Known for his complex and often controversial relationship with his son, Errol has remained mostly out of the public eye in recent years.
News of the incident spread rapidly across social media as onlookers began posting photos and videos of the aftermath, prompting a wave of concern from fans and followers of the Musk family.
The
His Condition
According to medical staff at Ascension Seton Medical Center, Errol Musk suffered a fractured hip, a broken wrist, and multiple bruises, but is currently in stable condition and expected to recover with time and rehabilitation.
“Considering his age and the severity of the accident, we’re fortunate that the injuries were not life-threatening,” said one attending doctor.
Elon Musk’s Response
Elon Musk, who was reportedly in California at the time of the incident, responded quickly after learning about the accident. A source close to the family confirmed that Musk immediately arranged for a private jet to bring him to Texas, where he is expected to visit his father at the hospital.
Though Musk has had a rocky relationship with his father over the years, sources say the incident has deeply shaken the billionaire.
He posted briefly on X (formerly Twitter) Monday evening:
“Life is fragile. Wishing my father a full recovery. Grateful he’s still with us.”
The message was met with tens of thousands of supportive replies.
Driver
The 32-year-old driver, whose name has not yet been released, was taken into custody at the scene. According to police, he is facing multiple charges, including:
-
Reckless driving
-
Failure to stop at a red light
-
Causing bodily harm through distracted driving
Police also confirmed the driver admitted to texting while driving at the time of the incident.
Community Reaction
The story has sparked renewed conversation around the dangers of distracted driving, especially in urban areas where pedestrian traffic is heavy.
“This could’ve been anyone’s father or grandfather,” said one local resident. “We’ve got to take distracted driving more seriously.”
As Errol Musk begins the road to recovery, the public is reminded just how quickly lives can change — and how even the families of the world’s most powerful figures are not immune to the dangers of everyday recklessness.
