In a heartbreaking turn of events, three teenagers lost their lives in a deadly crash in Piedmont, California, when their Cybertruck collided with a tree.
The crash occurred early in the morning on November 27, 2024, at around 3:08 AM, and police have now revealed that the driver was intoxicated, under the influence of drugs, and speeding at the time of the accident.
Victims Were College Sophomores Home for Thanksgiving
The victims, 19-year-olds Soren Dixon, Jack Nelson, and Krysta Tsukahara, were all former classmates from Piedmont High School, who had come home for Thanksgiving from their respective universities.
Jordan Miller, 20, was the only survivor, but he sustained severe burns and required extensive surgeries during his lengthy hospital stay.
Police Investigate Causes of the Crash
According to a report from the California Highway Patrol, the crash was caused by a combination of the driver’s impairment and excessive speed.
The report found that Dixon’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.195—well over the legal limit—and his blood tests also revealed traces of cocaine and methamphetamine.
This toxic mix of substances, along with speeding, made it impossible for Dixon to safely navigate a bend in the road, causing the Tesla to lose control.
A Devastating Outcome: Fire Engulfs the Vehicle
After leaving the road, the Cybertruck crashed into a tree and was consumed by flames.
The fire, though intense, was not related to the vehicle’s electric battery.
Police confirmed that the primary cause of death for the three victims was asphyxia from smoke inhalation, with burns also contributing significantly to the tragedy.
A Heroic Attempt to Rescue the Survivors
In a remarkable act of bravery, another driver who witnessed the wreckage tried to rescue the survivors.
This person, who had been driving behind the Cybertruck, rushed to the scene and pulled Miller from the wreckage, though the heat from the fire was overwhelming.
The Cybertruck’s front end was destroyed, and fire crews battled in vain to extinguish the intense flames.
The College Sophomores’ Lives and Accomplishments
All four of the teens were sophomores at different universities across the country.
Nelson and Dixon had both been stars on their high school lacrosse team, and Nelson also played football and soccer with Miller.
Dixon went on to continue his lacrosse career at the University of Southern California, while Nelson studied at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Tsukahara had been a dedicated member of her high school golf team and was pursuing her studies at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia.
Miller was attending the University of Wisconsin.
Close Bonds and Deep Losses
The close-knit group of friends had been together since high school, and their tragic deaths have left a void in the lives of many.
Dixon’s roommate at USC, Bronson Boyle, shared heartfelt memories of their time together.
In a touching tribute, Boyle described Dixon as “the best roommate and friend I could’ve asked for,” reminiscing about the fun and meaningful experiences they shared in their time at university.
Impact on Their Families and Community
The four teens came from affluent families, with homes worth several million dollars, and had all been promising young adults with bright futures ahead of them.
The loss has deeply impacted the community, friends, and family members who knew them.
Their deaths serve as a reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence and the importance of safety behind the wheel.
Looking Ahead: The Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation into the crash continues, it’s clear that this tragedy could have been avoided.
Police have stressed the importance of making safe, responsible choices when driving, particularly during the holiday season when many young people are traveling.
While nothing can bring back these young lives, the hope is that their story can help raise awareness about the consequences of reckless driving.