EUGENE, OR – Daylen Amir Austin, a 19-year-old University of Oregon football player, has been arrested following his alleged involvement in a deadly hit-and-run incident. This was confirmed in a press release that was issued by the Eugene Police Department (EPD).
Austin is currently facing felony hit-and-run charges after the incident, which occurred on Monday, April 15, at around 9:10 p.m. The incident, which happened at W. 4th and Polk Streets, claimed the life of a 46-year-old man. Austin was apprehended a few hours after the accident at 11:45 p.m.
The EPD stated that an extensive investigation into the case is currently ongoing. Authorities are gathering more information to be sent to the Lane County District Attorney’s Office for final determination of charges. Austin was arraigned on April 17, appearing via video call from jail. He refrained from entering a plea at that time.
A resident of the area where the incident occurred, Seth Lockard, reported hearing a car driving rapidly near his home, which is close to the scene of the hit-and-run.
Lockard further disclosed that the sound of a collision was heard, followed by multiple sirens. The community has since honored the unidentified victim with a candlelit memorial.
Austin, a defensive back on the University of Oregon Ducks football team, hails from Long Beach, California. He played at Long Beach Poly High during his high school days and has participated in at least two games with the Ducks during the 2023 season.