A fatal Tesla Cybertruck crash in Piedmont, California, has reignited debates over the automaker’s door design and safety systems. The accident claimed the lives of three college students, including 19-year-old Krysta Tsukahara, who allegedly survived the initial impact but died trapped inside the burning vehicle. Her parents are now suing Tesla, accusing the company of “conscious disregard” for safety.
Story Highlights
- Victim: Krysta Tsukahara, 19, student at Savannah College of Art and Design
- Crash Location: Piedmont, California
- Incident: Cybertruck hit a retaining wall and tree, then burst into flames
- Other Victims: Soren Dixon (driver), Jack Nelson (passenger)
- Survivor: Jordan Miller escaped with help from a bystander
- Cause of Death: Smoke inhalation and burns
- Main Allegation: Tesla’s electronic door system failed after power loss
- Substances Detected: Alcohol and cocaine in all occupants
- Legal Moves: Lawsuits filed against Tesla and Dixon’s estate
The Final Moments of Krysta Tsukahara
According to court documents, Krysta Tsukahara, a sophomore at the Savannah College of Art and Design, was conscious and responsive after the Cybertruck slammed into a wall and tree in Piedmont. However, she could not escape when the vehicle caught fire.
Her parents, Carl and Noelle Tsukahara, allege that the Cybertruck’s electronic door release system malfunctioned after the crash, leaving their daughter trapped. The lawsuit claims the truck’s 12-volt battery, which powers the door mechanisms, failed during the collision — rendering both the electronic and manual release inoperable.
The result was a nightmare scenario. Onlookers tried to break into the truck, but heavy flames and reinforced glass made rescue impossible. Krysta ultimately died from smoke inhalation and burns, the lawsuit says.
Parents Accuse Tesla of “Conscious Disregard”
“It’s just a horror story,” said attorney Roger Dreyer, who represents the Tsukahara family.
“Tesla knows that it’s happened and that it’s going to happen, and they are doing nothing but selling the car with a system that entraps people and doesn’t provide a way of extraction.”
The lawsuit accuses Tesla of knowingly selling vehicles with dangerous design flaws. It cites over 30 prior incidents involving door system failures across different Tesla models. Dreyer argues that Tesla’s button-operated, handleless door design lacks an accessible manual override that passengers can easily find during emergencies.
What Happened That Night in Piedmont
The Cybertruck, driven by 19-year-old Soren Dixon, crashed into a retaining wall before colliding with a tree and bursting into flames. Krysta Tsukahara and Jack Nelson, 20, were trapped inside and died at the scene. A fourth passenger, Jordan Miller, managed to escape after a bystander shattered the windshield using a tree branch.
Toxicology reports revealed the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and other substances in the systems of all four occupants. The California Highway Patrol cited impaired driving and speeding as contributing factors, though attorneys for the Tsukahara family maintain that the door malfunction was a critical failure that should never have cost lives.
“They [Tesla] will want to blame Mr. Dixon, anybody but themselves,” Dreyer said.
“But this vehicle absolutely should not have entombed these individuals and my clients’ daughter. It’s our way of holding the wrongdoer accountable and correcting bad conduct.”
Tesla Cybertruck’s Safety Design Under Scrutiny
The lawsuit highlights Tesla’s door system, which opens with the push of a button rather than a traditional handle. The suit describes this mechanism as “prone to failure in crashes”, particularly if the 12-volt system is damaged. It further alleges that the manual release lever is not clearly visible or easy to access, especially in the chaos following a crash.
The Tesla Cybertruck, launched in November 2023, has faced a series of recalls and complaints about electronic malfunctions. In September, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into reports of Tesla doors failing to open — with some parents forced to break windows to rescue children trapped inside.
Tesla has not yet commented publicly on the Krysta Tsukahara case or the ongoing investigation.
Two Lawsuits, One Common Allegation
On the same day the Tsukahara family’s lawsuit was filed, Jack Nelson’s parents, Todd and Stannye, also filed a separate case against Tesla. Both lawsuits seek punitive damages and allege that Tesla prioritized aesthetics and technology over basic safety.
Tesla was officially added as a defendant last week. While the company’s legal team has not responded to media inquiries, experts note that this case could have far-reaching implications for Tesla’s safety reputation and future Cybertruck sales.
Cybertruck’s Image Faces a Major Test
The Cybertruck, marketed as a revolutionary vehicle built for strength and endurance, now faces growing skepticism. Safety advocates argue that high-tech features shouldn’t compromise basic life-saving functions. For the Tsukahara family, the case represents not just personal loss but a mission to prevent similar tragedies.
As the investigation continues, the name Krysta Tsukahara has become central to the conversation about Tesla’s safety accountability — and whether innovation has come at too high a human cost.
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