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PIEDMONT — Three teens who died Wednesday in a fiery Tesla Cybertruck crash have been identified by authorities.
The victims, who are college-aged students, include Soren Dixon, Jack Nelson and Krysta Tsukahara. In a press release Saturday, the city said their families are requesting privacy and would not be making public statements beyond those shared by the city.
The Piedmont High School graduates were killed when the truck they were driving crashed at Hampton Road between Sea View and King avenues about 3 a.m. Wednesday. The truck caught fire after the crash and one person, who has not been identified, was pulled by a passerby and taken to a hospital.
The person is still hospitalized and in stable condition as of Saturday, according to the city. The three others died at the scene.
Piedmont police Capt. Chris Monahan said Saturday the crash is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In a statement, Piedmont Mayor Jen Cavenaugh said she was moved by how community members showed respect to the three victims and their families at the city’s annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving, and at a vigil Friday night.
“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,” Cavenaugh said. “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.”
A statement from Dixon’s family shared by the city reads:
“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,” the family’s statement said.
Nelson’s family also said in a statement:
“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,” the family said.
The family of Tsukahara said in a city statement:
“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.”