3 Promising College Students: Teens Killed In Fiery Piedmont Tesla Cybertruck Crash

PIEDMONT, CA — The city of Piedmont released statements from the families of three teenagers killed in a crash the day before Thanksgiving.

Soren Dixon, Jack Nelson and Krysta Tsukahara—all members of Piedmont High School's class of 2023—were in a Tesla Cybertruck that crashed shortly after 3 a.m. Wednesday on Hampton Road between Sea View and King avenues.

Authorities said the truck hit a curb and landed between a cement wall and a tree, where it caught fire. All three died at the scene.

A fourth person was pulled from the wreckage by another driver and rushed to a hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery.

• PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 3 Young Adults Killed, 1 Hurt In Fiery Cybertruck Crash: Reports

As the families grieved their loss, city officials asked the community to respect their privacy wishes.

"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," said Piedmont Mayor Jen Cavenaugh. "The outpouring of support on display at Thursday’s Turkey Trot and Friday’s evening vigil was tremendous. Now, we must respect the wishes of the victims’ families to grieve privately."

The city released the following statements from each family:

Krysta Tsukahara: Known For Her Kind, Sensitive Heart

"We are crushed by our loss of Krysta. Krysta Tsukahara was a graduate of the Piedmont High School Class of 2023 and was a sophomore at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). She was known for her kind and sensitive heart, love for her family and friends, and for her incredible eye for style and design. Krysta was cherished by her family and many friends and was, and is, loved deeply and will forever be missed.

"The Tsukaharas thank our family, friends, and neighbors for their support but request that the community respect our privacy during this difficult time."

Jack Nelson: A Fiercely Loyal Friend Who Had Strong Faith

"Our family mourns the loss of our beautiful son and brother, Jack Nelson. Jack was always full of life and made a lasting impact on people through his kindness and joy. 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.

"Our family is very grateful for the love and support we’ve received from our community. We ask for the privacy and space we need to grieve our son and brother, and will not have any further statement. Thank you for respecting our wishes."

Soren Dixon: A Kind, Gentle Soul Who Touched Everyone Around Him

"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."

The four who were in the Cybertruck were possibly returning from a function at the time, and the person who pulled the surviving victim from the wreckage was possibly coming from the same event, according to initial information. They turned the corner and came upon the crash site.

The person who was pulled from the Tesla by another driver remained hospitalized in stable condition on Saturday, according to the city.

City officials said the families did not intend to release further public statements.

— Bay City News Service contributed to this report.