On the day before Thanksgiving, November 27, three students identified as Soren Dixon, Jack Nelson, and Krysta Tsukahara died in a single vehicle collision in Piedmont, California.
The crash took place at around three in the morning. The Piedmont Police Department (PPD) were alerted to the accident when they received a 911 call and an alert from an iPhone. Within minutes they arrived at the scene finding a Tesla Cybertruck on fire.
According to Piedmont Police Chief, Jeremy Bowers, the fire was “too intense for the extinguishers.” The PPD were able to later put out the fire.
The PPD, investigating the crash, told KRON-TV that the battery did not explode or burst into flames.
A fourth person, 20 year old Jordan Miller, a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin, was pulled from the burning vehicle and suffered burns. He was then taken to the hospital in critical condition.
According to the investigation by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the Cybertruck jumped a curb, hit a tree and retaining wall, and came to a stop with the front of the vehicle partly wrapped around the tree. The Cybertruck then caught on fire and fully burned.
Bowers previously said it was believed that the four individuals in the Cybertruck, and the people in the vehicle behind them, may have all been at the same function before the accident.
Piedmont Police Captain, Chris Monahan, told “USA TODAY”, the crash is still under investigation but Bowers, believed that speed was a factor in the accident. It has not been determined whether drugs or alcohol have been involved.
CHS sergeant, Andrew Barclay, told “USA TODAY” troopers are working to determine the cause of the crash. Barclay stated that this investigation could take several months and information would be released by the police department.
Alameda County Coroners’ Bureau will conduct autopsies and toxicology tests on the victims.
Soren Dixon was a sophomore at the University of Southern California. His family stated he was “full of life and made a lasting impact on people through his kindness and joy.” They said he was very passionate about sports, had a boundless enthusiasm for life, and had a deep affection for animals.
Jack Nelson was a sophomore at the University of Colorado his family described him as an exceptional athlete who loved the outdoors spending most of his free time adventuring. “More than anything, Jack cared deeply for other people, was a loving and fiercely loyal friend, and had a strong faith he proudly shared through the cross he wore every day,” his family wrote. “Jack will always be a part of our family. While his time was far too short, we take comfort in knowing that his memory will carry on for all that knew him.”
Krysta Tsukahara was a sophomore at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia. “Krysta was cherished by her family and many friends and was, and is, loved deeply and will forever be missed,” her family wrote. They stated that she was known for her kind, sensitive heart, the love she had for her friends and family, and her eye for fashion and design.