A University of Oregon football player has been implicated in a deadly hit-and-run incident, leading to his arrest, as announced by the Eugene Police Department (EPD) through a social media press release.
Daylen Amir Austin, 19, faces initial charges of felony hit-and-run after he allegedly struck and killed a 46-year-old man.
The incident took place at the intersection of W. 4th and Polk on Monday, April 15, at approximately 9:10 p.m. Austin was apprehended a few hours later at about 11:45 p.m., police reported. The EPD stated that the investigation into the incident is complex and ongoing, with further details still being collected for submission to the Lane County District Attorney’s Office, which will make a final decision on charges.
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During a court appearance via video call from jail on Wednesday, April 17, Austin was arraigned but did not enter a plea, as reported by KPTV.
A local resident, Seth Lockard, described hearing a vehicle speeding and circling for about 10-15 minutes near his home close to the scene of the accident. “You could kind of hear car exhaust,” Lockard told KPTV. His wife heard a loud thump, though initially, they did not realize what had occurred. “Then I heard a bunch of sirens, went outside, and saw all these police cars and tape. It was just really sad, and I was very angry,” he added.
In remembrance of the victim, who has not been publicly identified, community members have placed candles at the site of the incident.
Austin, a freshman and a defensive back for the University of Oregon Ducks, hails from Long Beach, California, and is a former player at Long Beach Poly High School. He has participated in at least two games for the Ducks during the 2023 season, according to ESPN. His next court date is set for May 22, as noted by KPTV.
