Austin Police Officer succumbs to injuries following on-duty crash in East Austin

Austin Police confirmed on Saturday that Senior Officer Lewis "Andy" Traylor succumbed to injuries sustained in a major, on-duty crash in East Austin, after fighting for his life for nearly four days.

Officer Traylor was responding to an on-duty emergency call at approximately 2:10a.m. on Wednesday morning when a tractor trailer made a u-turn in front of his police unit on FM 969, just east of Ed Bluestein Boulevard.

“The police vehicle and the tractor trailer collided, and the police vehicle and our officer were pinned underneath the trailer,” said Corporal Destiny Silva on Wednesday.

Traylor was transported to Dell Seton Medical Center, where for days Austin Interim Police Chief Joseph Chacon said staff "did everything in their power to save him," before his ultimate passing on Saturday.

"He was surrounded by his APD family, obviously his family, and we're all hurting right now," said Chacon during a press briefing on Sunday.

Officer Traylor served with the Austin Police Department for nine years, leaving behind a wife and five young children.

With the news of his death, support for the fallen 37-year-old officer poured in from agencies and officials across the state.

Austin Interim Police Chief Chacon released a statement in the wake of his passing, acknowledging that Officer Traylor served to help those in need, and would be continuing to do so with the donation of his organs.

In a press release issued Saturday evening, he went on to say "Andy was an incredible officer, husband, father and friend and he will be missed by all of us."

Ken Casaday, President of the Austin Police Association, took to Twitter to express his grief over "one of the best officers I've ever worked with."

Elected officials also extended their condolences, with Mayor Adler stating "his service to our community will not be forgotten" and Council Member Mackenzie Kelly noting "his work ethic was contagious to all who work with him:

During Traylor's fight to stay alive, the Austin Cops 4 Charities organization launched a fundraiser in support of the Officer's family. They will now continue to accept donations to assist with expenses in the wake of his passing.

AustinC4C gave an update on their fundraising efforts Monday morning, saying they had been able to raise $55K for Traylor's family.

If you would like to donate, click here.

Sunday, a procession was held by the Austin Police Department to honor the loss of one of their own.

Gathering at Dell Seton Medical Center, officers saluted Traylor before traveling together to the Travis County Medical Center in a demonstration of overwhelming support and solidarity.

Funeral arrangements for Officer Traylor will be shared to the public once they are available.

Said Interim Chief Chacon in his final comments Sunday:

He was an incredible officer. He was highly respected by his peers, by his supervisors. He had a heart for service, and he put his life on the line for this community. And ultimately made the ultimate sacrifice. So we honor him today. And we will honor him tomorrow. And we will honor him always going forward.