A tragic incident involving a Tesla Cybertruck has resulted in the death of a California college student. Krysta Michelle Tsukahara, a sophomore at the Savannah College of Art and Design, lost her life following a crash in Piedmont. She was one of four students involved in the accident.
Details of the Crash
The accident occurred in November 2023 when the Cybertruck struck a retaining wall and a tree, subsequently igniting. Tsukahara survived the initial impact and was conscious but was tragically unable to exit the vehicle. Reports indicate that the electronic door release malfunctioned after the truck lost power, entrapping her inside.
Victims and Circumstances
- Krysta Tsukahara: 19 years old, sophomore, died from smoke inhalation and burns.
- Soren Dixon: 19 years old, driver, also deceased.
- Jack Nelson: 20 years old, passenger, pronounced dead at the scene.
- Jordan Miller: Escaped after a bystander broke the windshield with a tree branch.
Legal Action and Accusations Against Tesla
The families of the victims have filed lawsuits against the estate of the driver, Soren Dixon, and the manufacturers of the Tesla Cybertruck. The Tsukahara family claims the company’s design poses inherent risks. Tesla’s door systems, which are dependent on a 12-volt battery, can fail in situations like crashes where power is lost. Furthermore, the lawsuit indicates that the manual release mechanism is not easily accessible in emergencies.
Attorney Roger Dreyer, representing Tsukahara’s family, criticized Tesla for a design that could compromise safety. “Tesla knows that it’s happened and that it’s going to happen,” he noted, emphasizing the company’s lack of action regarding potential dangers.
Substance Involvement and Impairment
Reports from the California Highway Patrol indicated that all four students had substances, including cocaine and alcohol, in their systems. Impaired driving and speeding were identified as contributing factors to the incident. Despite these findings, the attorney believes the Tsukahara family has a strong case against Tesla.
Background on the Cybertruck
The Tesla Cybertruck was launched in November 2023 and has already faced scrutiny for multiple recalls and sales declines. Additionally, in September, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating the Cybertruck after owners reported issues with the doors failing to open, sometimes requiring drastic measures to free passengers. The outcome of the ongoing lawsuits could have significant implications for safety standards in future vehicle designs.
