PIEDMONT, Cali. (KRON) – Three recent high school graduates are dead after a Tesla Cybertruck crash just outside of Oakland, California, last week.
Early Wednesday morning, the Cybertruck reportedly jumped a curb in Piedmont, crashed into a tree, and burst into flames. One person was pulled from the vehicle by a person in the vehicle behind them, according to Piedmont Police Chief Jeremy Bowers.
Authorities were alerted to the crash by an iPhone within the Cybertruck automatically alerting dispatchers, as well as neighbors who saw the flames rising from the vehicle.
Within minutes, emergency crews arrived on scene and used fire extinguishers to battle the flames. The fire was "too intense for the extinguishers," according to Bowers. The Piedmont Fire Department was able to put out the flames a short time later.
Three young individuals – since identified as Soren Dixon, Jack Nelson, and Krysta Tsukahara by the City of Piedmont – were pronounced dead at the scene. The person pulled from the Cybertruck suffered burns and was taken to an area hospital in critical condition but has not been identified. Their current condition is unknown.
Hundreds gathered in Piedmont Friday night for a vigil honoring the victims.
“I’m moved by the way our small community has come together to offer solace to these families, and to one another, during a time of unimaginable loss,” said Piedmont Mayor Jen Cavenaugh. “The outpouring of support on display at Thursday’s Turkey Trot and Friday’s evening vigil was tremendous. Now, we must respect the wishes of the victims’ families to grieve privately.”
The city shared the photos of the victims seen below.
In a statement provided by Dixon’s family, he was described as being known for his “infectious smile” and love for his love of family and friends.
Nelson’s family, in a statement, said he was “full of life and made a lasting impact on people through his kindness and joy.”
The family of Tsukahara, a sophomore at the Savannah College of Art and Design, said in a statement that she would be remembered for “her kind and sensitive heart.”
Neighbors and friends said the group had been home from college for the holidays to visit their families.
Bowers previously said it was believed that all four people in the Cybertruck, as well as those in the car behind them, may have been at the same function before the crash. He did not elaborate on what may have happened at that function but said authorities had not ruled out whether drugs or alcohol were involved.
Piedmont Police and the California Highway Patrol are investigating the crash. Speed was a contributing factor, Bowers said last week.
