Fort Worth man killed in Austin was ‘aspiring chef,’ family needs help bringing body home

The family of 26-year-old Cody Shelton has launched a GoFundMe campaign to gather funds for bringing his body back to Fort Worth for burial after he was tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident on March 12 in Austin.

According to police reports, Shelton and another individual were crossing the intersection of East 7th Street and Red River Street in downtown Austin when 23-year-old Tyrone Thompson allegedly sped through the crosswalk, striking Shelton and the other victim.

Surveillance footage captured Shelton walking through the street moments before the collision. Tragically, Shelton succumbed to his injuries, while the other victim remains in critical condition.

“It’s a very difficult time for everyone right now,” expressed Angel Scallion, Shelton’s aunt.

Shelton, who grew up in Fort Worth and was a former football player at Castleberry High School, had ventured to Austin due to his interest in the food scene.

“He pursued a career in culinary arts, which led him to Austin because of its vibrant food culture,” shared Scallion.

The sudden loss of Cody Shelton has left his family in shock.

“I’m still trying to come to terms with it. He was only 26, with so much ahead of him,” lamented Scallion. “His life was cut short due to someone else’s negligence.”

Thompson, suspected of driving under the influence at the time of the accident, has been arrested and faces charges including crash involving death, resisting arrest, and driving while intoxicated.

The family seeks justice for Shelton and the other victim affected by the incident.

“We understand that mistakes happen, but this individual didn’t stop,” Scallion emphasized. “And now, there’s another victim fighting for their life.”

In addition to grappling with the devastating loss, the family is confronted with the challenge of arranging Shelton’s burial in Fort Worth.

“It’s a tremendous burden because none of us were prepared for this,” Scallion acknowledged. “No parent should ever have to bury their child.”

The GoFundMe campaign, initiated to assist with funeral expenses, garnered over $13,000 in donations by Sunday night. The family aims to provide a fitting farewell to a beloved member of the North Texas community who was taken too soon.

“We want to bring him back home where his family is,” said Scallion. “I’m doing everything I can to alleviate that burden from my sister-in-law.”