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Angela Chao
, a prominent businesswoman and sister-in-law of Mitch McConnell, tragically died in February 2024 when she accidentally reversed her Tesla into a pond at her Texas ranch, drowning after becoming trapped inside the submerged vehicle. The accident, ruled an unfortunate accident by authorities, occurred as she was attempting a three-point turn while intoxicated. Her death sparked discussions about Tesla’s gear-shifting mechanism, as she mistakenly put the car in reverse instead of drive, and the difficulty of breaking Tesla windows underwater for escape, notes CNN and Fox Business.
Key Details of the Incident:
- Date & Location: Night of February 10, 2024, at her ranch near Johnson City, Texas.
- Circumstances: After a dinner party, Chao got into her Tesla Model X to drive home, but mistakenly put it in reverse during a maneuver, causing it to go into a pond.
- Calls for Help: She called a friend for help, who then called emergency services, but by the time help arrived, the car was submerged, and she couldn’t escape.
- Cause of Death: Drowning; her blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit in Texas.
- Vehicle Design: The incident highlighted challenges with exiting Tesla vehicles submerged in water, as the windows are difficult to break.
This video provides a demonstration of what happens when a Tesla goes into a pond:
Billionaire Dies After Accidentally Backing Tesla Into Pond
YouTube • Inside Edition
59s
Aftermath & Impact:
- Investigation: The Blanco County Sheriff’s Office concluded it was an “unfortunate accident”.
- Tesla Scrutiny: The event led to complaints and discussions about Tesla’s gear-shifting interface and the lack of federal mandates for water-escape tools in vehicles, reports CNN and Fox Business.
- Family: Chao was the CEO of the Foremost Group, and her sister, Elaine Chao, is a former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, notes BBC and CNBC.
You can watch this video to see how a person can escape from a sinking car