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

The family of 26-year-old Cody Shelton initiated a GoFundMe campaign to gather funds for the transportation of his body back to Fort Worth for burial, following his tragic death 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. Shelton succumbed to his injuries, while the other victim remains in critical condition.

Shelton’s aunt, Angel Scallion, expressed the profound impact of his untimely passing on the family, highlighting his upbringing in Fort Worth and his involvement in football during his time at Castleberry High School. She shared that Shelton pursued a career as a chef, which led him to Austin due to its vibrant food scene.

The sudden loss of Shelton left his family reeling in disbelief, with Scallion emphasizing his youthful age and the potential he had yet to fulfill. The family was further distressed by the circumstances of the incident, particularly the suspected involvement of Thompson, who was arrested and charged with various offenses including driving under the influence.

Scallion expressed the family’s desire for justice and lamented the emotional and logistical challenges they now face in arranging Shelton’s burial in Fort Worth. The unexpected financial burden prompted the creation of the GoFundMe campaign, which garnered significant support from the community.

The family’s primary goal is to honor Shelton’s memory by facilitating his return home and organizing a fitting farewell for their beloved relative. Scallion underscored the importance of alleviating the burden on Shelton’s immediate family during this difficult time.