Piedmont parents sue to get answers in deadly cybertruck crash
The parents of 19-year-old Krysta Tsukahara, Carl and Noelle, are sharing the story of their daughter for the first time since the fatal Tesla Cybertruck crash in Piedmont.
"We were blessed in that the time we did have with her, what an amazing person she was. She was kind. She loved her family and her friends and she was very selfless," Carl Tsukahara told CBS News Bay Area.
It's been nearly five months since they lost their daughter, and have decided to file a wrongful death and survivor's action lawsuit against the director of the Cybertruck, 19-year-old Soren Dixon and the owner of the Tesla, Charles Patterson.
"Why did the driver have that car? Where were they before this all took place? Why did the car catch on fire? Why couldn't my daughter get out of the car? People think it's okay to withhold that information from us. And unfortunately, despite attempts this seems like our only recourse," her father said.
Investigators said Tsukahara and her friends were in the Cybertruck when Dixon was reportedly driving at an unsafe speed. Officials said that he crashed into a tree along Hampton Road and King Avenue in Piedmont, before the Tesla burst up into flames.
Tsukahara, Dixon and another passenger, 20-year-old Jack Nelson died from the crash. A fourth passenger, Jordan Miller, was rushed to the hospital.
CHP said that a toxicology report showed the three victims all had blood and alcohol in their systems. Officials said Dixon also had meth in his system.
"There were some statements, that all the people were grossly intoxicated. Well, her blood alcohol was 0.02," Carl Tsukahara said.
CHP is currently investigating the Cybertruck, while the Tsukaharas said they have been constantly left in the dark after requesting access to the vehicle.
"We want information, we want answers. I mean, this is a circumstance that I would hope no parent or even human would ever have to face, and have to deal with. But we don't have enough information and it's being withheld from us. And frankly I think that's immoral," the father said.
"How is it that Mr. Patterson's vehicle is in the hands of Mr. Dixon?" Roger Dreyer, the Tsukahara family attorney, told CBS News Bay Area.
He said they have been constantly searching for answers, but have been ignored. Dreyer hopes that the defendants will respond to the suit.
"Once it's served on the defendants, then we start what's called discovery. That's going to take probably months to get accomplished in reality," Dreyer added.
CBS News Bay Area also spoke with a San Francisco civil and criminal attorney about the basis of the wrongful death lawsuit.
"Do have a good cause of action," Michael Cardoza told CBS News Bay Area.
However, he said there may be some uphill battles with proving that the owner of the Cybertruck was negligent.
"Would be very difficult if the owner of the car did not know the driver was taking the keys to the car, because it's negligent entrustment. In other words, did the owner know that the young man under the influence was taking the keys to the car? And did he allow that happen? That is negligent entrustment. But if the young man just walked in and took the keys without the owner, that does not make the owner responsible for this particular accident," Cardoza said.
"If they did discover that he did not know, then they don't have much of a suit against the owner of the car and they will continue to go after the young man, his insurance and his family, and possibly Tesla," he added.
Meanwhile, the Tsukaharas hope that through legal action, they will get some answers. But for now, they are taking things day by day.
"I have her necklace on, I have her earrings on," Noelle Tsukahara said, motioning her daughter's jewelry.
Her parents want the world to know that her daughter was selfless and full of love. She was a freshman at Savannah College of Art and Design and had dreams to live in New York and work in the fashion industry.
"Thank you for making me a proud mom. You were an amazing daughter, and sister. And your talent, and your love, and your funny witty ways, and your heart, you touched so many people. And we will never forget you. I love you and I miss you," she said.
"I'm proud of you. I love you no matter what. You've left your mark on this world. We'll never forget you and your spirit will live with us on forever. We love you Krysta," her father said.
CBS News Bay Area reached out to CHP for comment, and a spokesperson said they do not comment on pending litigation.
