10/5: Austin icon Leslie hospitalized

AUSTIN (KXAN) -  

Austin's own celebrity, Albert "Leslie" Cochran, fell on Oct. 3 and was rushed to the University Medical Center Brackenridge. EMS officials were called after he fell next to a taxi.

EMS officials said an ambulance was called to the scene after a witness saw Leslie acting oddly on the sidewalk. The call came in around 12:50 a.m. on Oct. 3. Leslie then fell in front of a taxi. When EMS arrived on the scene, medics say he was already unconscious.

EMS called ahead for a trauma team to meet Leslie when he arrived at Brackenridge Hospital. Officials at the hospital have declined to confirm he was there, citing rules against official release of information.

A woman who said she was a good friend of Leslie said she tried to see him last Monday, October 5, but hospital officials would not let her see him.

When asked during a telephone interview if she knew whether or not Leslie was still unconscious, the woman, who wished to remain anonymous, replied, "He would have called me had he woken up."

Seton, who operates University Medical Center Brackenridge, has not responded to questions regarding their visitation policy—specifically whether or not friends can visit patients in ICU, or if only family are allowed.

Leslie, 58, is "arguably the most locally famous street person in Austin" according to his Wikipedia article. He is often seen downtown wearing women's clothing, and has run for mayor. He is a staunch advocate for the rights of homeless people. 

It's not uncommon for folks visiting downtown to approach Leslie for photographs with the scantily clad man.  He almost always obliges.

Leslie is so popular, he even has his own line of dress-up refrigerator magnets that can be purchased at stores across Austin. The paper-doll-style magnet set includes a mini-skirt, a cheerleader outfit and leopard print dress, with accessories, that you can use to dress up the Austin icon.

Jimmy Haddox owns the Wet Salon on South Congress. He started the magnet franchise in 2006 with an agreement that Leslie would get half the proceeds. Haddox has since handed over the entire franchise to Leslie. He said Thursday he has not seen Leslie in a few weeks, but would not be surprised if something bad did happen.

"He didn't look too great last time I saw him," Haddox said.

KXAN Austin News will post more details on his condition as they become available.