Tragic Hit-and-Run Claims the Life of Austin Chef Cody Jordon Shelton

On Tuesday, March 12, chef Cody Jordon Shelton, 26, was struck and killed in a heartbreaking hit-and-run incident in downtown Austin. The accident occurred at the intersection of East Seventh and Red River streets at 1:09 a.m., when Shelton and another person were hit by a car. While Shelton tragically lost his life at the scene, the other individual suffered severe injuries.

Shelton, who worked at the renowned Arlo Grey restaurant located in the Line Austin, was deeply respected and admired by his colleagues. In response to the devastating news, the restaurant temporarily closed its doors on Wednesday, March 13, to give the staff time to process the loss. Chef/partner of Arlo Grey and new Top Chef host, Kristen Kish, expressed her sadness over Shelton's passing, describing him as kind, respectful, and dedicated to his craft. She conveyed her condolences and care to all who knew and loved him.

The incident took place in the vibrant Red River district, known for its bustling entertainment scene, particularly during SXSW. The festival issued a statement on Instagram, expressing their deep sorrow upon learning about the tragedy. In 2014, during a previous SXSW event, a similarly devastating accident occurred when an intoxicated driver drove past barricades on Red River, resulting in multiple casualties, including four fatalities.

In addition to his work at Arlo Grey, Shelton also ran his own private chef service and had previously worked at Austin restaurant Wink. To help support Shelton's family with funeral expenses, his aunt, Angel Scallion, established a GoFundMe campaign. The family is based in Fort Worth.

The passing of this talented young chef has left the Austin culinary community in mourning. Shelton's passion for cooking and his commitment to lifelong learning were evident in his dedication to his craft. He will be deeply missed by his colleagues and all who had the opportunity to know him personally.

As the investigation into the hit-and-run continues, the Austin community mourns the loss of a promising young chef whose life was tragically cut short.