September 4, 2008
Austin American Statesman
Police investigate fatal motorcycle crash
Austin police are investigating a fatal motorcycle accident that shut down parts of U.S. 183 this morning in the 8400 block of Research Boulevard.
Police said that officials received a call about the accident at 4:18 a.m.
The motorcyclist, whom police identified as 27-year-old Eric Laufer, was found on the upper deck of U.S. 183 near North Lamar Blvd. Investigators think that Laufer was driving northbound on Research Boulevard when another vehicle struck his motorcycle and fled the scene.
Laufer was found on Research Boulevard when officials arrived and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said he had been wearing a helmet and full protective gear at the time of the accident.
The motorcycle was found about a mile away on the east frontage road. Officials later found a blue GMC pickup they believe may have struck the motorcyclist, according to Lisa Cortinas, a police spokeswoman. Investigators are looking for its driver.
Northbound U.S. 183 was closed for a few hours while police investigated the accident but the road re-opened at 7:30 a.m.
Police ask that anyone with more information about the incident call vehicular homicide detectives at 974-4724. This accident is the city’s 38th traffic fatality in 2008.