The driver of a Model S died recently while using Tesla's Autopilot function, the first such fatality, the company confirmed Thursday, June 30th.
Investigators from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are investigating the crash, Tesla confirmed in a statement.
"Our condolences for the tragic loss," Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted.
The driver of the car was on a divided highway using Autopilot when a tractor trailer crossed the highway perpendicular to the Model S, according to Tesla. Here is what happened next:
The company emphasized that Autopilot is "still in a public beta phase" and each time it is engaged the car warns drivers that is only an assist feature, and that they should "keep their hands on the wheel at all times."
Tesla addressed the government investigation, saying:
The victim's identity has not been released, but according to the statement he was a "friend to Tesla and the broader EV community, a person who spent his life focused on innovation and the promise of technology and who believed strongly in Tesla's mission."
"We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends."