Austin Independent School District (AISD) Police Chief Wayne Sneed sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident while on duty during an official motorcade operation on Wednesday evening, as reported by the Austin Police Department. The incident occurred around 8:20 p.m., shortly after Sneed had attended a graduation ceremony at an Austin high school.
Trustee Kathryn Whitley Chu shared during a board meeting on Thursday that Sneed was leaving an event celebrating the graduation of the superintendent’s daughter. “This was coming from a joyful occasion where the superintendent’s daughter graduated and he was on the way to celebrate her,” she remarked.
The collision involved two police motorcycles and took place near the westbound lanes of U.S. 290 and the MoPac service road ramp close to Southwest Parkway. Following the accident, Sneed was transported to a local hospital, where his injuries were deemed non-life-threatening.
Whitley Chu conveyed that while Sneed is on the path to recovery, it will be a challenging journey. “On behalf of the Austin ISD family to Chief Sneed and his family, we are all praying for a speedy recovery,” she stated. “We are with you and we love you.”
An AISD spokesperson expressed optimism regarding Sneed’s recovery and extended gratitude to the first responders who assisted following the accident, as well as the community for their support. Further updates on Sneed’s health have not been disclosed by the district.
Since assuming the role of police chief in 2022, Sneed has been involved in various initiatives, including mental health and community engagement efforts within the AISD. The Austin Police Department has confirmed that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
This story is developing.
