Three teenagers were killed in a Tesla Cybertruck crash in Piedmont, California, northeast of Oakland on Thanksgiving Day. The crash happened at 3 a.m. on Wednesday while the teens were heading home after an event.
The Cybertruck went off the road, hit a tree, and caught fire. The victims were identified as 19-year-olds Jack Nelson, Soren Dixon, Krysta Tsukahara, and Jordan Miller. Miller survived, but the others did not. Authorities have impounded the Cybertruck to investigate if mechanical malfunctions played a role. However, they suspect speeding contributed to the crash. The investigation is ongoing.
The victims were college sophomores and had been close friends since high school. Nelson was studying at the University of Colorado, Dixon at USC, and Tsukahara at the Savannah College of Art and Design. All three had graduated in 2023. Jordan Miller is a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin.
Tesla recalled its 2024 Cybertruck models earlier this year. In October, the company also recalled over 27,000 vehicles due to a faulty rearview camera, which could lead to accidents. However, there is no immediate evidence that mechanical issues caused the crash.
Jordan Miller, the sole survivor, suffered severe burns. He was rescued from the burning vehicle by a car following behind. His mother, Samantha Miller, shared that he underwent surgery. She expressed her grief, saying, “As you would expect, it’s a devastating situation. And you know, we’re all thinking about the kids that were lost. They’re not kids anymore, but they still are to us.”
The investigation continues. Authorities believe speeding was a major factor, though they have found no signs of mechanical failure or battery issues.
