An unfortunate collision involving a Tesla electric semi-truck has resulted in the deaths of two individuals, marking the first fatal accident with one of these new models.
Sergio Villanueva III and his wife Jennifer Villanueva, residents of Nevada, lost their lives in the crash on June 28. The couple’s identities were confirmed through a GoFundMe page created to support their family.
The couple was traveling in a classic Volkswagen Beetle when they collided with the 10-ton Tesla at a US 50 intersection in Dayton, NE, around 7:20 in the morning, as reported by local officials to Forbes.
The Nevada Highway Patrol and Lyon County Sheriff’s Office verified that both occupants of the Volkswagen were pronounced dead at the site.
While the official cause of the crash is still under investigation, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office indicated on social media that “preliminary statements obtained at the scene suggest the driver of the semi may have fallen asleep.”
The state police stated that the truck driver, whose name has not been released, was unharmed in the accident.
In the GoFundMe appeal, Stefanie Villanueva, the mother of Sergio’s son, Sergio Villanueva IV, expressed her sorrow and requested assistance with expenses following the tragic incident.
“No child is ever prepared to lose a parent, especially so suddenly,” she expressed.
“Sergio is currently attending college in Ohio, and our immediate priority is bringing him home to be with his family during this heartbreaking time.”
She further mentioned that “no amount can replace the love, guidance, and memories of a father,” but hoped the funds would “relieve some of the financial stress so Sergio can focus on being with his family and honoring his dad’s memory.”
Stefanie concluded, “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your love, support, and compassion during one of the most difficult times our family has ever faced.”
Family friend Jennifer Bauer told ABC affiliate KOLO that the Villanuevas were a “positive light” and possessed a “heart of gold.”
“They would have given the shirt off their backs, and there was nothing they wouldn’t do for anyone,” she shared with the news outlet.
Authorities confirmed that another vehicle was involved in the crash, and one of its occupants was airlifted to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Tesla has recently started the production of the Tesla Semi-truck, aiming to broaden its market from consumer vehicles to trucking.
This electric model is designed to haul approximately 60,000 lbs over a 500-mile range on a single charge.
UNILAD has reached out to Tesla for further comments.