Samuel Tremblett, 20, allegedly died after his 2021 Tesla Model Y crashed into a tree in Easton, Massachusetts, and caught fire, according to a wrongful death suit filed by his mother. The complaint claims a defective electronic door-handle system prevented him from escaping, and references an alleged 911 call and explosions at the scene. The family cites at least 15 similar incidents since 2016 and accuses Tesla of ignoring safety warnings; the suit seeks damages for negligence, breach of warranty, wrongful death, and conscious pain and suffering.
Mother Sues Tesla After 20-Year-Old Student Allegedly Trapped And Killed In Burning Model Y
Samuel TremblettThe Tremblett Family
Samuel Tremblett, a 20-year-old Syracuse University student, allegedly died after his 2021 Tesla Model Y crashed into a tree and caught fire, according to a wrongful death suit filed by his mother.
The Crash And The Lawsuit
The complaint was filed on Feb. 4 in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts by Jacquelyn Tremblett. It alleges that on Oct. 29 at about 1 a.m., Samuel was driving northbound on Turnpike Street in Easton, Massachusetts, when his Model Y left its lane, crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a tree. Although the suit says Samuel survived the initial impact, the vehicle soon erupted in flames and he was unable to escape.
Allegations About The Door-Handle System
The family’s filing contends the Model Y’s electronic door-handle system is defective and prevented Samuel from opening the doors after the crash. The complaint claims Tesla engineers warned that the design posed a serious safety hazard, but that the company—along with founder Elon Musk—refused to approve a safer alternative.
2021 Tesla Model Y (stock image)Mark Leong for The Washington Post via Getty
911 Call And Emergency Response
The complaint references an alleged 911 call in which Samuel told a dispatcher,
"I can't breathe... it's on fire. Help please... I am going to die... I'm dying... Help... Help."
Police and firefighters reportedly arrived quickly but were unable to extinguish the blaze or extract Tremblett. Officers on scene allegedly heard four explosions within the first 10 minutes, and the complaint says firefighters did not fully put out the fire for approximately four hours. The suit alleges Samuel died from thermal injuries and smoke inhalation before he could be rescued.
Claims And Background
The complaint lists causes of action including negligence, breach of warranty, wrongful death, and conscious pain and suffering. The family points to at least 15 alleged incidents since 2016 in which occupants were reportedly trapped in Tesla vehicles because of electronic door mechanisms.
First responders (stock image)Getty
Family Statement And Response
In a statement included with the filing, Jacquelyn Tremblett criticized Tesla for continuing to sell vehicles she says are known to trap people after crashes and demanded accountability. Tesla did not respond to requests for comment, according to the complaint.
Remembering Samuel
Samuel was born in Middleborough, Massachusetts, and attended Syracuse University for three years where he studied design. An obituary and family tribute described him as energetic, creative, and close to his younger brother Tristan. The tribute notes he launched a clothing line called Forget Raven in 2024 and loved modeling and expressing himself through art and style.
Note: The article reports allegations made in a lawsuit. These claims have not been proven in court.
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