Local officials in Northern California have identified three people killed in a fiery Tesla CyberTruck crash less than 24 hours before Thanksgiving Day.
The City of Piedmont identified the fatality victims to USA TODAY as Soren Dixon, Jack Nelson and Krysta Tsukahara, all college-age students who graduated from Piedmont High School in 2023.
The crash took place around 3 a.m. in Piedmont, a small affluent area community northeast of Oakland in Alameda County and the cause of the crash remained under investigation by law enforcement Monday.
During the last census, the city’s population was just over 11,000.
Family and friends are mourning Soren Dixon, Jack Nelson and Krysta Tsukahara (L to R) all college students who graduated from Piedmont High School in 2023. The three died after a Tesla Cybertruck crashed on Nov. 27, 2024 in Piedmont, California.
“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,” Piedmont Mayor Jen Cavenaugh said after a Friday vigil held Friday to remember the victims. “The outpouring of support on display… was tremendous.”
According to a preliminary investigation by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the Cybertruck jumped a curb, hit a tree and retaining wall, then came to rest with the front end of the vehicle partly wrapped around the tree.
The Cybertruck caught fire and fully burned, but the Piedmont Police Department, also investigating the crash, told KRON-TV the vehicle’s battery did not explode or burst into flames.
It was not immediately known who was driving the Cybertruck or who it belongs to, but all four occupants were friends home for the Thanksgiving break.
Fourth person hospitalized in crash
A fourth person in the SUV was pulled from the burning car at the scene and taken to a hospital, Piedmont Police Capt. Chris Monahan told USA TODAY Monday.
That occupant’s mother, Samantha Miller, identified him as her 20-year-old son, Jordan Miller, a sophomore at University of Wisconsin, CBS News reported.
That victim remained in stable condition on Monday, Monahan said.
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Police: Speed at least one factor in crash
Monahan said although the official cause of the crash remains under investigation, Piedmont Police Chief Jeremy Bowers indicated speed was at least one factor in the crash.
It was not immediately known if drugs or alcohol played a role in the wreck.
CHP Sgt Andrew Barclay told USA TODAY troopers are working to determine the cause of the crash on behalf of the Piedmont Police Department.
The investigation, Barclay said, could take several months, and information would be released by the police department.
The Alameda County Coroners’ Bureau will conduct autopsies and toxicology tests on the fatality victims, officials said.
USA TODAY has reached out to the coroner’s bureau.
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Soren Dixon loved life and his dog
Soren Dixon
In a statement provided by the city from Dixon’s family, his relatives said Dixon had a boundless enthusiasm for life, was passionate about sports, and had a deep affection for animals, especially his dog, Ruby.
He was a sophomore at the University of Southern California.
“Full of life and made a lasting impact on people through his kindness and joy,” his family recalled, “He made friends easily,” smiled and laughed often, and had a unique ability to make everyone feel welcomed and valued.
Jack Nelson: A ‘fiercely loyal friend’
Jack Nelson
Nelson’s family, also provided a statement to the city, and described him as an exceptional athlete who loved the outdoors, often spending his free time on adventures.
At the time of his death he was a sophomore at the University of Colorado.
“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.”
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Krysta Tsukahara described as sensitive and kind
Krysta Tsukahara
A statement provided to the city from Tsukashara’s family said she was known for her kind and sensitive heart, love for her family and friends, and for her incredible eye for style and design.
She was a 2023 graduate of the Piedmont High School and 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.
This story was updated to add new information.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Piedmont officials identify 3 killed in Cybertruck crash
