Family Sues Tesla After Daughter Dies in Cybertruck Crash in California

October 3, 2025

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Family Files Lawsuit Against Tesla After Cybertruck Crash

Concerns Over Cybertruck’s Door Design and Safety Features

Investigation into Tesla’s Electronic Door System Issues

The family of a college student who died in a Cybertruck crash has filed a lawsuit against Tesla, alleging that the vehicle’s door design contributed to her death. Krysta Tsukahara, 19, was one of three individuals killed when the driver crashed into a tree in Piedmont, California, in November 2024.

According to the lawsuit, Tsukahara was trapped in the backseat of the vehicle as it caught fire, unable to access the manual door releases outlined in the owner’s manual. The complaint claims that the Cybertruck lacked an effective and easily accessible manual door release mechanism, which could have allowed her to escape. The glaring absence of this feature has raised significant questions regarding the design choices made by the automaker.

Tsukahara’s parents, Carl and Noelle Tsukahara, are seeking damages from Tesla, which is owned by Elon Musk. They expressed their grief over their daughter’s death and criticized the safety of the vehicle, questioning how a major automaker could release a product with such significant safety flaws. In their statement, they emphasized the tragedy of losing a child and the importance of holding companies accountable for their safety standards. “We want to ensure that no other family has to go through this nightmare,” Carl Tsukahara remarked after the filing of the lawsuit.

The incident that led to the tragic accident also highlighted the heroic efforts of another passenger in the vehicle, Matt Riordan. As the fire broke out, Riordan attempted to help by pressing the door buttons and later breaking a window to rescue the front seat occupant. His efforts were commendable, yet he was ultimately unable to reach Tsukahara in the backseat before the fire engulfed the vehicle. “I felt helpless,” Riordan said in a subsequent interview. “No one should have to endure such a painful situation.”

Soren Dixon, the 19-year-old driver of the Cybertruck during the crash, and Jack Nelson, another rear-seat passenger, also tragically lost their lives in the crash. In a similar vein to the Tsukaharas, Nelson’s family has also filed a lawsuit against Tesla, citing comparable concerns regarding the vehicle’s design and safety features. This underscores a potential pattern of negligence concerning the design and safety mechanisms of Tesla vehicles.

In response to the growing scrutiny over its vehicle safety features, Tesla is currently facing an investigation by federal regulators regarding the door handles of another model, the 2021 Model Y. The focus of this investigation is particularly on issues related to the operability of electronic door locks, which have come under fire following reports of occupants becoming trapped in their vehicles during emergencies. Such developments have led to increased calls for stricter regulatory oversight of electric vehicle manufacturers and their safety standards.

Tesla has acknowledged the need for improved designs to enhance door accessibility in emergencies. In a statement to the press, the company noted, “We are committed to designing our vehicles with safety as a priority. We appreciate the feedback from our customers and will work diligently to address these concerns.” However, the series of accidents and ensuing lawsuits pose serious questions about the effectiveness of Tesla’s safety measures and their responsiveness to customer complaints over the years.

The Tsukaharas’ lawsuit alleges that Tesla was aware of potential risks associated with electronic door systems for over a decade. This concern is underscored by incidents where occupants were unable to escape their vehicles following crashes when electrical power failed. These assertions bring to light the ongoing debate about the reliability of electronic systems in vehicles, especially in life-threatening situations.

The growing body of litigation surrounding Tesla’s vehicle safety has implications not only for the company but also for the broader automotive industry. Consumers are increasingly focused on the safety ratings and mechanical reliability of electric vehicles, particularly as they become more prevalent on the roads. With more drivers and families becoming aware of these issues, the stakes for automakers continue to rise as they navigate product safety, consumer confidence, and regulatory compliance.

This tragic incident serves as a grim reminder for both consumers and manufacturers of the critical importance of vehicle safety, especially regarding innovations in automotive technology. As the investigation unfolds and more details are made public, stakeholders throughout the industry will be closely watching for developments that could further influence vehicle design and safety standards.

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