University of Oregon football player Daylen Austin was arrested for connection to a fatal hit and run.

Question

The claim that University of Oregon football player Daylen Austin was arrested for being involved in a fatal hit and run on April 15th is a true claim. ESPN reported on April 17th that Austin had been arrested by Eugene Police Department for a class C felony, and was being held in Lane County Jail. Sports Illustrated reported that Frank William Seaman was the man that had been killed during the hit and run. Adding details that Seaman had been seen harassing Austin previous to the hit and run, throwing baseball sized objects at Austin's vehicle. When circling back around to see what had hit his vehicle Austin encountered Seaman. Austin then claims that Seaman had been menacing him with a hammer threatening his safety, later found with Seaman's fingerprints. Austin is now on trial in Lane county before a Grand Jury, the trial has been continuously delayed as the investigation has been very unclear as to all of the details that occurred on the night of April 15th (Oregonian). According to the Register-Guard Austin was initially charged with failure to perform duties of a driver to seriously injured person. 

Answer 1

This claim is true and was reported by Sports Illustrated. On April 14, 2024, University of Oregon defensive back Daylen Austin was involved in a hit‑and‑run incident in Eugene. At first, the victim was not identified, but Oregon Live later confirmed that the man struck was 46‑year‑old homeless man Frank William Seaman. The crash happened near West Fourth Avenue and Polk Street.  

After the incident, Austin said that what happened was self‑defense. Reports said there was video footage showing Seaman throwing objects at Austin’s SUV before the collision. Austin also stated that Seaman was threatening him with a hammer and that he jumped in front of the vehicle. These details were part of Austin’s explanation of what led up to the crash.

A later article gave an update on the case and said that Austin was indicted on all charges. He was officially charged with failing to perform the duties of a driver to an injured person. A grand jury indicted him in connection with the death of Seaman, who was struck by the SUV Austin was driving.

Sources : Oregon football defensive back Daylen Austin indicted in fatal hit and run - oregonlive.com

Oregon Supreme Court denies dismissal of UO football player’s fatal hit-and-run case  - Lookout Eugene-Springfield

Oregon Football Player Daylen Austin Alleged Fatal Car Crash: New Details Report

Answer 2

The claim is true. Daylen Austin was taken into custody for not performing the duties of a driver when he struck Frank Williams in Eugene, Oregon, with his car. He went to jail and has not been released, as his trial date keeps being postponed. This claim checked out and was on credible sources such as ESPN, YAHOO sports, and a local Oregonian Paper. Daylen Austin's case takes a sharp turn towards some racism and stereotypes, with the opposing team trying to use hand signals and also rap songs, saying words they read into, blaming Austin for being drunk. Austin had tested negative for drugs and alcohol 4 hours after the accident. The victim, Frank William, did, however, have drugs in his system and also a bag full of weapons to include the hammer that Austin claims Williams was threatening to use on him.

https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/39962615/oregon-db-daylen-austin-arrested-fatal-hit-run

https://sports.yahoo.com/trial-postponed-oregon-ducks-football-120347639.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAH6Jfk39k_OGRvylO-kjUS4vYMyefXhPee7hWIfR0GSHPaeDRmJ82_iMOV5nS7B4ugbWUWQe17qju8ZYfkMvOPVImtdFkMSD9VkVFAPZXX7zv46MS0_JXgpB4iT52B6LGcutQCfcHyQTak8s470TPCWZ3_nNxrFFbp3jsttvblqE

https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/2025/01/oregon-football-defensive-back-daylen-austin-indicted-for-fatal-hit-and-run.html