Huntington Beach, CA — Authorities have identified the 37-year-old driver killed in a violent multi-vehicle crash after his Tesla Model 3 went airborne in Huntington Beach on Tuesday afternoon. According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the victim has been confirmed as Ryan Mark Larson, a resident of Huntington Beach.
The crash, which unfolded around 2:45 p.m. at the intersection of Heil Avenue and Goldenwest Street, left Larson as the lone fatality and caused widespread destruction involving seven vehicles.
Dashcam Video Shows Tesla Going Airborne
A dramatic dashcam video captured the moments leading up to the crash. The footage shows Larson’s Tesla traveling at a high speed before losing control, sideswiping an oncoming vehicle, and hitting a road dip that caused the car to lift off the ground.
Witnesses reported that the Tesla “flew” before rolling over multiple times and landing just east of the intersection. Responding officers from the Huntington Beach Police Department found the Tesla mangled and other vehicles heavily damaged.
Larson was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of the crash.
Terrifying Experience for Families and Other Drivers
One family directly impacted was a father and his young son sitting in a minivan that sustained major damage. In a widely circulated video clip, the father can be heard anxiously checking on his son:
“Malcom, are you OK?”
“Yes,” the child replies.
The shaken father then describes the crash:
“A car just slammed headfirst into the corner of our car.”
Witnesses Describe the High-Speed Chaos
Several witnesses recounted seeing the Tesla moments before the impact, as per the reports.
Among them was George Spaulding, who was waiting at a red light when he spotted the speeding vehicle:
“We saw a car flying up the road… it cut between the lanes, went onto our side, hit this dip, caught air, lost control, and flipped over.”
Police confirmed the Tesla was traveling at a “high rate of speed,” though they refrained from giving an exact number. One witness estimated the car’s speed at around 100 mph.
Injured Orange County Probation Officers Recovering
Three people were transported to nearby hospitals due to the crash. Among the injured were two Orange County probation officers, whose vehicle was struck in the chain-reaction collision.
In a statement Wednesday morning, the Orange County Probation Department confirmed that both officers were recovering:
- One officer was medically cleared at the scene
- The second was treated and released from the hospital
Cause of Crash Still Under Investigation
The Huntington Beach Police Department stated that the investigation remains ongoing. It is still unknown whether drugs, alcohol, or any other impairments were involved.
Investigators are also examining whether Tesla’s Autopilot or Full Self-Driving software was active at the time. As of Wednesday, officials said there was no immediate evidence confirming the system’s involvement.
Your Turn
What are your thoughts on speeding, road safety, or the role of driver-assistance technology in incidents like this? Share your opinions, reactions, or experiences in the comments below.
