Oregon Football Player Daylen Austin Charged in Fatal Eugene Hit-and-Run Involving Pedestrian

Eugene, Oregon | April 15, 2024

Oregon Football Player Charged After Fatal Pedestrian Collision in Eugene

Daylen Austin, a 19-year-old defensive back for the University of Oregon football team, was charged with felony hit-and-run following an incident on April 15 in which a pedestrian, 46-year-old Frank William Seaman, was struck and killed in Eugene. The charge, formally titled “failing to perform the duties of a driver when another person is injured,” stems from Austin’s alleged decision to leave the scene of the crash without rendering aid or waiting for authorities.

Timeline of the Incident

According to surveillance footage reviewed by reporters, the evening began with an altercation involving Seaman and a white SUV resembling Austin’s vehicle. Approximately fifteen minutes before the fatal impact, Seaman—reportedly homeless—was seen throwing a baseball-sized object at the SUV. The video shows the vehicle slowing down afterward while Seaman, appearing agitated, crossed West Sixth Avenue and gestured at other vehicles.

Later that evening, near the intersection of West Fourth Avenue and Polk Street in Eugene’s Whiteaker neighborhood, Seaman was fatally struck. A hammer and a blue grocery bag containing tools were found at the scene. According to law enforcement documents, Austin told investigators that Seaman had “menaced him with a hammer” and jumped in front of his SUV.

Legal Proceedings and Conditions of Release

Austin was arrested on April 15 and arraigned two days later. He did not enter a plea and was granted a conditional release. Under the terms of his release, Austin is prohibited from leaving the state without permission, having offensive contact with others, or possessing weapons, alcohol, or marijuana. A pre-trial conference is scheduled for May 22.

Austin’s attorney, Bryan Boender, declined to comment on the case. Lane County Deputy District Attorney Nicholas Geil, who is prosecuting the matter, also did not return calls to the press.

Austin has since been absent from all of Oregon’s spring football practices, including the team’s spring game on April 27. While head coach Dan Lanning didn’t elaborate on Austin’s status with the program, he stated, “I know Daylen’s character and I think there’s a lot of details that will continue to play out.”

Legal Perspective: Potential Oregon Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims

While Austin currently faces a criminal charge, the incident also raises significant civil legal issues. The fatality may give rise to a potential wrongful death claim under Oregon law, particularly if evidence supports that the driver’s negligence contributed to Seaman’s death. Oregon statute requires drivers involved in collisions causing injury or death to remain at the scene and render aid. Failure to do so—especially in fatal cases—can result in both criminal penalties and civil liability.

Even in cases where the pedestrian’s behavior is a contributing factor, Oregon's comparative negligence laws allow for partial recovery of damages if the driver is found to be more than 50% at fault. Given that Seaman was on foot at the time of the incident, this could also involve issues of pedestrian accident liability.

In cases involving fatalities, surviving family members may also be entitled to seek damages for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and loss of companionship. These claims can be complex, particularly when counter-allegations of assault or provocation are involved, as suggested by Austin’s statement about being “menaced with a hammer.”

Navigating the Aftermath of a Hit-and-Run in Oregon

Oregon law treats hit-and-run accidents, especially those resulting in death, with utmost seriousness. In addition to criminal charges, victims or their families can pursue civil claims for compensation. These types of incidents underscore the importance of staying at the scene, cooperating with law enforcement, and ensuring that injured parties receive immediate medical assistance.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident or any accident involving a driver who fled the scene, it’s vital to understand your rights. The attorneys at Pacific Injury Law Firm are experienced in handling complex cases involving hit-and-run accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death.

We offer free consultations to help accident victims and their families understand their legal options. Contact us at https://pacificinjurylawfirm.com/contact or call 971-277-3811.

Sources:

• James Crepea | The Oregonian/OregonLive (opens in a new tab)