Pasadena, CA – Early Saturday morning, May 11, 2024, a violent Tesla crash claimed the lives of three youths identified as Mohed Samuel, 22, Alexander Espino, 19, and Stefan Michael Pfeiffer, 20, and left three others hospitalized, according to KCAL. The catastrophic collision occurred just before 3 AM at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Vista Avenue.
Reports indicate that the 22-year-old Tesla driver was driving at least double the posted 35 mph speed limit, possibly reaching speeds of up to 100 mph. The Tesla lost control when it failed to navigate a bend in the road, struck the curb, and launched into the air. It flew approximately a hundred feet before colliding with a power pole and crashing through the wall of a building at the intersection.
Surveillance footage captured the harrowing moments preceding the crash, showing the Tesla racing down the street, running a red light, and then a bright flash, presumably signaling the impact.
Of the six occupants inside the Tesla, three were killed in the collision — Samuel, Espino, and Pfeiffer — while the other three survived with injuries. Paramedics rushed the injured victims to nearby hospitals, where they are currently in stable condition.
The incident also caused a power outage for over 500 homes in the area, with power being restored within 45 minutes by dedicated crews. The affected intersection and a section of Foothill Boulevard remained closed until late afternoon as investigations and cleanup efforts continued.
Passenger Liability
The liability insurance that drivers carry is not just meant to cover accidental harm caused to those outside of the vehicle. A driver is responsible for the safety of those in their vehicle as well. While making a wrongful death or personal injury claim against someone who knew the victim personally may prove emotionally challenging, the financial burdens following a vehicular accident can be hefty.
A good personal injury attorney can help grieving families seek proper compensation for their loss by navigating these tricky issues, as well as negotiating on the victim’s behalf with insurance companies, who routinely work to minimize the payout of any claim they cannot deny.
