Tesla Model Y in Autopilot Mode Crashes into Pond, Kills 87-Year-Old Driver
An 87-year-old man died on May 26 in Pasco County, Florida when his Tesla Model Y with Autopilot engaged left a roadway, struck an electrical box, and sank in a pond. A 75-year-old passenger survived with non-life-threatening injuries. The Florida Highway Patrol did not determine what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway.
What happened
An 87-year-old Wesley Chapel man was traveling eastbound on Overpass Road around 8:10 p.m. on May 26 in a Tesla Model Y SUV with Autopilot engaged when the vehicle left the roadway east of Infinite Drive.
The vehicle struck an electrical box, continued moving, and became fully submerged in a nearby pond.
Reported impact
The driver was taken to an area hospital, where he died from injuries suffered in the crash.
A 75-year-old female passenger in the vehicle was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Index analysis
The Florida Highway Patrol did not disclose what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway while in Autopilot mode.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.