An examination of deaths among the homeless in the Austin region show an elevated number are dying of homicide, suicide and accidents.
The examination by the Austin American-Statesman and Noticias Univision 62 found alcohol played a role in 49 percent of deaths and drugs a factor in 36 percent.
Substance abuse also played a role in pedestrian traffic accidents, which accounted for 14 percent of deaths, and the 10 percent of deaths related to violence.
It also was found that 11 percent died anywhere from a few hours to 10 days after leaving a hospital or jail. Advocates say this raises questions about the efficacy of discharge policies.
The findings were compiled by reviewing Travis County medical examiner reports from 2013 and 2014 for 77 people listed as transient.
