Angela Chao phoned a friend as the Model X SUV sank into a pond at a ranch and told her: "I love you."

Shipping tycoon Angela Chao was drunk when she inadvertently reversed her Tesla into a pond and drowned last month at a Texas ranch, police say.

Blanco County Sheriff’s Office found her blood alcohol level was nearly three times the state’s legal limit.

The 50-year-old died after dinner on 10 February with a group of friends at the estate near Johnson City.

Her brother-in-law, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, cited the tragedy in his resignation speech.

On Wednesday, Blanco County Sheriff’s Office released the findings of its investigation concluding Ms Chao’s death was an “unfortunate accident”.

    • tal@lemmy.todayEnglish
      43·
      8 months ago

      I don’t drink, but I realize that getting home after one has been drinking is a legitimate problem that does encourage people to drive drunk.

      It’s one thing that I hope that self-driving cars will help address in the long run. If everyone’s got their own electronic chauffeur readily available, it’s lot easier to let them get one home safely.

      • FluffyPotato@lemm.ee
        14·
        8 months ago

        FYI there’s already a solution: Public transit. I understand the US doesn’t have it but the solution already exists.

      • Aniki 🌱🌿@lemm.eeEnglish
        8·
        8 months ago

        I’ve been saying my next car will have FSD for… almost a decade now. I have lost hope that what you describe will be a reality for me anytime soon, and with the progress of self-driving in general? Very. Little. Hope.