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Tesla worker killed in fiery crash may be first ‘Full Self-Driving’ fatality

Hans von Ohain, a Tesla employee, died in a crash in 2022 when his Model 3 suddenly veered off the road.

Fueled by thousands of lithium-ion battery cells in the car’s undercarriage, according to the investigation report, the fire is what killed von Ohain: His cause of death was listed as “smoke inhalation and thermal injuries.” Madden said he probably would have survived the impact alone. Still, Andrew Maynard, a professor of advanced technology transitions at Arizona State University, said reports of the car’s frequent swerving raise questions about Tesla’s decision to release Full Self-Driving. Nearly two years later, mangled car parts and charred battery cells are still strewn along Upper Bear Creek Road.Madden closed the Colorado State Patrol investigation, unable to determine whether Full Self-Driving played a role.

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