USC Athlete, 2 Others Killed In Tesla Cybertruck Crash

LOS ANGELES, CA — The family of a University of Southern California-Los Angeles student-athlete identified him as one of three young people killed in a fiery Bay Area crash the day before Thanksgiving.

Soren Dixon, who is listed as a freshman on the USC Lacrosse team's website, died shortly after 3 a.m. Wednesday in a Tesla Cybertruck crash in the city of Piedmont.

Dixon, along with Jack Nelson and Krysta Tsukahara—all members of Piedmont High School's class of 2023—were riding in the truck together with a fourth person hospitalized with significant injuries.

The truck reportedly went over a curb and then hit a wall and tree before it burst into flames.

Dixon, Nelson and Tsukahara were pronounced dead at the scene.

Dixon was one of three brothers, his family said in a statement released through the city of Piedmont.

"We are devastated at the loss of our beloved son, brother, and friend Soren Dixon. Soren had a boundless enthusiasm for life and was known for his infectious smile, his love of family and friends, his passion for sports, and his deep affection for all animals, especially his dog, Ruby. Soren lit up a room, made friends easily, smiled and laughed often, and had a unique ability to make everyone feel welcomed and valued.

"His kind, gentle soul touched everyone around him; he had a wide circle of friends and a close relationship with his brothers Colin and Aidan. He accepted challenges readily, whether in academics or on the athletic field—he was an ambitious, dedicated student and a team player in sports and in life. He will always be in our hearts and in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know him.

"Our family appreciates the outpouring of support and sympathy, but requests that all media inquiries and public attention be limited out of respect for our need to grieve privately. Thank you for your compassion, sensitivity, and respect."

Dixon's roommate and fellow Trojan, Bronson Boyle, called him the best friend and roommate he "could've ever asked for."

"Our first night as roommates we snuck onto the new north roof, and just talked for hours, getting to know one another," Boyle wrote on Instagram. "That first-day encounter, and every day of the 8 months that followed as roommates were filled with unpredictable fun. Always upbeat, ever inviting, and ferociously fun — that’s who you were. I’m so glad to have known you. I’ll always remember you as brother-one who was righteous beyond belief. Rest in peace, man. I’ll miss ya every day. I’ll raise a glass to you every day forever. I look forward to talking to you in the sky. I’ll always know when you paint a sunset. I will miss the joy you bring every day. Till we meet again. New north room 2223 forever—Bronson."

Krysta Tsukahara

Crash victim Krysta Tsukahara was a sophomore at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Savannah, Georgia.

"She was known for her kind and sensitive heart, love for her family and friends, and for her incredible eye for style and design," her family said. "Krysta was cherished by her family and many friends and was, and is, loved deeply and will forever be missed."

Jack Nelson

"Jack was always full of life and made a lasting impact on people through his kindness and joy," his family said. "He was an exceptional athlete and loved the outdoors, often spending his free time on adventures from the ocean to the mountains.

"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. 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."

1 Survivor

Jordan Miller, 20, a student at the Univesity of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin, survived the crash.

He was listed in stable condition Saturday after being in an induced coma in the intensive care unit of a local hospital, his mother, Samantha Miller, told the San Francisco Chronicle.

"We’re hopeful for a full recovery," she said.

The crash remained under investigation. Police were looking into whether speed was a factor. The California Highway Patrol took possession of the truck and was also expected to look for any signs of mechanical failure, police told media members.

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