Holly MatkinAustin, TX – Austin Police Department (APD) Officer Lewis “Andy” Traylor died in the line of duty on Saturday, three days after crashing into an 18-wheeler while responding to a priority call for help.
Officer Traylor, 37, was traveling westbound along FM 969 on his way to an emergency call when the collision occurred at approximately 2:10 a.m., the Austin American-Statesman reported.
The driver of an 18-wheeler attempted to make a U-turn in front of him, causing Officer Traylor to crash into the truck and pinning his patrol car beneath it, police said.
The veteran officer was extricated from the wreckage and rushed to Dell Seton Medical Center, the Austin American-Statesman reported.
The driver of the semi-truck was not injured in the collision and has been cooperating with the ongoing investigation, the Austin American-Statesman reported.
Officer Traylor, a nine-year veteran of the APD, succumbed to his injuries on July 31.
“Andy was an incredible officer, husband, father and friend and he will be missed by all of us,” APD Interim Chief Joe Chacon said in a statement later that day, according to the Austin American-Statesman.
Chief Chacon said Officer Traylor was an organ donor.
“Andy was able to provide life to many individuals who were in need, with the donation of his organs,” he said. “Even in paying the ultimate sacrifice, Andy was committed to helping others in their time of need, and his heroism will live on.”
Austin Police Association President Ken Casaday told KTBC Officer Traylor “was just a fantastic person.”
“They’ll remember him as one of the best cops to ever work at APD,” Casaday said. “He just worked hard every day to make this community safe.”
Officer Traylor, a U.S. Navy veteran, leaves behind his wife and five children, the Austin American-Statesman reported.
“We can honor Andy’s memory by continuing to support his family and one another,” Chief Chacon said in a memo to the APD’s officers. “Take time with your loved ones, and never miss an opportunity to spend time with them, as we never know what life has in store.”
Officer Traylor will be laid to rest on Aug. 9, according to his obituary.
We have activated the Survivor Fund in honor of @Austin_Police Officer Andrew Traylor. Please join us in honoring his life of service, his memory, and his family.https://t.co/Ryu53cHerJ pic.twitter.com/hlAicHUpxx
— The 100 Club of Central Texas (@100clubcentex) August 1, 2021
It is with a heavy heart that I inform you Senior Police Officer Lewis “Andy” Traylor #7258, who was involved in a tragic on-duty crash, early Wednesday morning in Central East Austin, has succumbed to his injuries. pic.twitter.com/9q4gJqoUac
— Joseph Chacon 👮🏻♂️ (@Chief_Chacon) August 1, 2021
I’m just devastated tonight. We lost one of the best officers I’ve worked with. Officer Lewis “Andy” Traylor passed away tonight. He is now walking with his Lord and Savior. Andy leaves behind his beautiful wife and 5 children under 13 years of age. R.I.P my friend.
— Kenneth Casaday (@KennethCasaday) August 1, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Austin Police Department Officer Lewis “Andy” Traylor, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
