Identity of driver of Tesla involved in fatal Southern California crash revealed

The man behind the wheel of a speeding Tesla Model 3 involved in a deadly multi-car accident in Huntington Beach has been identified. The 37-year-old driver, the only person who died in the incident, has been named Ryan Mark Larson, a resident of Huntington Beach, according to the Orange County Sheriffs Department.

Dashcam footage revealed the Tesla becoming airborne after Larson lost control, colliding with a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction at the intersection of Heil Avenue and Goldenwest Street around 2:45 p.m. The crash involved seven vehicles, with the Tesla flipping multiple times before stopping just east of the intersection, according to the Huntington Beach Police Department.

One of the vehicles involved was a minivan carrying a young boy. In video captured at the scene, the father is heard checking on his son, asking, Malcom, are you OK? The boy confirmed he was unharmed while the father described the impact from the Tesla.

Police reported the Tesla was moving at a high rate of speed, though no official estimate was provided. A witness at the scene suggested the car may have been traveling around 100 mph. George Spaulding, waiting at a red light, recounted seeing the Tesla accelerate toward him, cross lanes, and launch off a dip in the road before flipping over.

Three individuals were hospitalized, including two Orange County probation officers whose vehicle was struck. Both officers have since been treated and released, with one cleared at the scene and the other released from the hospital, according to the Probation Department.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Authorities have not determined if drugs or alcohol played a role, nor whether Teslas Autopilot or Full Self-Driving systems were engaged at the time. Anyone with information about the crash or events leading up to it is urged to contact the Huntington Beach Police Department at 714-536-5666.

Author: Chloe Ramirez