Latest news with #Tsukahara
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
After three podium finishes at continental level, gymnast Pranati Nayak braces for Chinese challenge on vault ahead of Asian Games
She has a hat-trick of bronze medals on the vault at the Asian Gymnastics Championships, but it's the elusive gold that keeps Pranati Nayak pushing through pain, living a monkish, solitary existence with no social life in Bhubaneswar. She also has to make do with eating measured morsels to keep her weight down, so she can push through an extra half of a rotation, and do a 720 Tsukahara, rather than a 540. 'And now the Chinese have started showing up in vault which they didn't earlier,' Pranati says in mock apocalyptic tones, laughing at her luck, a month after returning from Jecheon, South Korea, with a third bronze, after Ulaanbaatar 2019 and Doha 2022. It was much before her qualification stumble at the continental championships when her three oversteppings cost her a penalty that she gleaned the competition and noticed her nemesis – the Chinese. The global powerhouse in gymnastics aces the Floor exercise, uneven bars and balance beam, but have made headway into Vault at the Asian level, a novelty for Pranati who admits to being deflated at the literal leaps-and-bounds progress of the Chinese vaulters, who have not won a women's vault medal at the Olympics since their bronze at Beijing 2008. Sure enough, Paris Olympian Zhang Yinan took gold at Jecheon with 13.650 on the vault, closely followed by Nguyn Thi Quyhn Nhur with 13.583. Pranati averaged 13.466. 'It was tough to digest. I didn't think Chinese vaulters would be a challenge, so I will have to prepare for that before the Asian Games. In qualification when I was 4th, there was the (Uzbek, 48-year- old) legend Oksana Chusovitina, and the Vietnamese. But the Chinese had me worried,' she says. 'Qualifying was not great, I was scared.' Attempting the Tsukahara 540 (Difficulty 5.2, like the Chinese and Vietnamese), Pranati stuttered with three oversteps and copped a penalty. 'We train on Gymnova brand apparatus. There it was Tyson, a different make of springboard. With my ankle injury, take-off on this brand was a disaster,' she explains, not as an excuse, but stating her inability on a lift-off, where she didn't gain the spring for elevation and rotations, affecting her landing. In the finals, she had 13.666 on her first vault with Difficulty 5.2 (scoring 8.466 on Execution) and in the second, a handspring. Though her D-Score of 4.4 was higher than everyone, her 12.866 (highest and equalising Chinese score, with execution at 8.466), could not push her beyond bronze. 'Gold and silver were there for the taking but I couldn't stick a clean landing. One step I ended forward and couldn't go past 14.000,' the 30-year-old rued. While she already has a World Cup bronze from Antalya this year, and is headed to another World Cup series in September, the training-competition balance has had to be carefully managed at her Bhubaneswar base. 'The ankle injury from two years ago is not big. But I have to manage it. It's one week of rest and strengthening and one week of vault training,' she explains, adding that she also has to undergo a bunch of ultrasound examinations for elbow and ankle issues. Thanks to her funding from Welspun, she can access the best medical facilities at a top hospital in Odisha and a curated diet, but Pranati is aware of the challenge. 'At 30, recovery is not easy. I'm maintaining a very strict diet, measuring food, so I can be fit to give optimum results,' she says. All junk has been out of the picture and mildly salted dry fruits are her only indulgence. 'The machines are expensive so that funding helps,' she says, as does the guidance of Ashok Mishra. While she remains India's best-performing gymnast currently, ensuring her personal coach travels (he didn't to Korea) requires funds beyond her TOPS allocation. Being in the well-kitted-out facility means Pranati can access the ABTP (Abhinav Bindra Targeting Performance) facility on campus, a huge help. 'But it's ice baths in the room and 2/3 rehab sessions at ABTP,' she says. The Shockwave therapy for muscle pain is a huge addition she has availed, but getting the peak fitness/form/ confidence and pushing technique barriers needs everything coming together. With the Chinese targeting the vault, Pranati literally has to raise her ambitions on higher Difficulty vaults with an eye on the Asian Games.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Grieving father files lawsuit after horrific Cybertruck crash: 'It still haunts us every day'
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways The father of Krysta Tsukahara, one of three college students who died in a Cybertruck crash in California in November, filed a lawsuit against the driver's family to access the vehicle and better understand what caused the tragic accident. What happened? According to Bloomberg, the driver and two passengers, including Krysta, were killed when the truck ran into a tree on a neighborhood street and caught fire. Carl Tsukahara, Krysta's father, said he's trying to find out more information about the crash and what led to it. In an interview with the news outlet, Tsukahara said he wondered why the driver was behind the wheel, considering a toxicology report showed high levels of alcohol and drugs in his system. The wrongful death suit filed in Alameda County Superior Court was brought against the driver's family and doesn't list Tesla as a defendant. Tsukahara's lawyer, Roger Dreyer of Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora, said he is waiting for permission to access the vehicle to obtain data from Tesla to investigate what happened. The lawsuit includes unnamed "Doe" defendants, which gives the Tsukahara family the option to add Tesla if the investigation shows the company was partially responsible for the crash. "Defendants negligently entrusted, managed, maintained, drove, operated, repaired, manufactured and designed the subject vehicle so as to cause the collision and the resulting injuries and damages to plaintiffs," according to the complaint, per Bloomberg. An autopsy revealed Krysta's death wasn't caused by injuries from the crash. It showed she died of asphyxiation when she couldn't open the Cybertruck doors and wasn't able to escape through a broken window before the fire overwhelmed the vehicle. A witness who attempted to rescue Krysta and the others told police: "Krysta tried to come up, sticking her head from the back. I grabbed her arm to try to pull her towards me but she retreated because of the fire." They were able to save one passenger before the flames engulfed the vehicle, killing the driver and another passenger. "It still haunts us every day, and it will for the rest of our life," Carl Tsukahara told Bloomberg. "She died a horrible death and suffered." Why is the Cybertruck crash concerning? This isn't the first report of a Cybertruck catching fire after a crash. Last year, a Cybertruck driver died when the vehicle slammed into a concrete culvert and erupted into flames in the Houston area, per KHOU. In Harlingen, Texas, a Cybertruck caught fire after hitting a hydrant, but the driver was reportedly unharmed, according to Road and Track. While the Cybertruck earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the vehicle has been recalled eight times since its launch in 2023 because of safety issues, including an exterior panel that could detach while the vehicle was being driven and an accelerator pedal that could become stuck. People have also criticized the vehicle for having nearly indestructible doors and windows. While this may seem like a positive thing, it can be dangerous if the Cybertruck catches fire and makes it difficult to rescue people. The latest tragedy involving the Cybertruck could make people reluctant to support Tesla, especially amid the company's plummeting profits and stock prices as well as CEO Elon Musk's involvement in politics. That said, electric vehicles help consumers save money on gas and maintenance, and they're much better for the environment than polluting gas-guzzlers. According to Teslarati, Tesla remains the most popular electric vehicle brand in the U.S., but there are other EV makers to choose from, including Nissan, Ford, and Hyundai. What's being done to help? Tesla announced that the Cybertruck will receive a high-tech upgrade that includes new tire sensors to improve performance and safety. It's worth noting that Cybertrucks generally fare well in crashes because of their stainless steel body and low center of gravity. However, high-speed collisions, particularly those involving impact to the lithium-ion battery, can cause fires. It's unknown exactly how fast the driver was going, but speed contributed to the severity of the crash. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
CBS News
25-04-2025
- CBS News
Piedmont parents sue to get answers in deadly cybertruck crash
The parents of 19-year-old Krysta Tsukahara, Carl and Noelle, are sharing the story of their daughter for the first time since the fatal Tesla Cybertruck crash in Piedmont. "We were blessed in that the time we did have with her, what an amazing person she was. She was kind. She loved her family and her friends and she was very selfless," Carl Tsukahara told CBS News Bay Area. It's been nearly five months since they lost their daughter, and have decided to file a wrongful death and survivor's action lawsuit against the director of the Cybertruck, 19-year-old Soren Dixon and the owner of the Tesla, Charles Patterson. "Why did the driver have that car? Where were they before this all took place? Why did the car catch on fire? Why couldn't my daughter get out of the car? People think it's okay to withhold that information from us. And unfortunately, despite attempts this seems like our only recourse," her father said. Investigators said Tsukahara and her friends were in the Cybertruck when Dixon was reportedly driving at an unsafe speed. Officials said that he crashed into a tree along Hampton Road and King Avenue in Piedmont, before the Tesla burst up into flames. Tsukahara, Dixon and another passenger, 20-year-old Jack Nelson died from the crash. A fourth passenger, Jordan Miller, was rushed to the hospital. CHP said that a toxicology report showed the three victims all had blood and alcohol in their systems. Officials said Dixon also had meth in his system. "There were some statements, that all the people were grossly intoxicated. Well, her blood alcohol was 0.02," Carl Tsukahara said. CHP is currently investigating the Cybertruck, while the Tsukaharas said they have been constantly left in the dark after requesting access to the vehicle. "We want information, we want answers. I mean, this is a circumstance that I would hope no parent or even human would ever have to face, and have to deal with. But we don't have enough information and it's being withheld from us. And frankly I think that's immoral," the father said. "How is it that Mr. Patterson's vehicle is in the hands of Mr. Dixon?" Roger Dreyer, the Tsukahara family attorney, told CBS News Bay Area. He said they have been constantly searching for answers, but have been ignored. Dreyer hopes that the defendants will respond to the suit. "Once it's served on the defendants, then we start what's called discovery. That's going to take probably months to get accomplished in reality," Dreyer added. CBS News Bay Area also spoke with a San Francisco civil and criminal attorney about the basis of the wrongful death lawsuit. "Do have a good cause of action," Michael Cardoza told CBS News Bay Area. However, he said there may be some uphill battles with proving that the owner of the Cybertruck was negligent. "Would be very difficult if the owner of the car did not know the driver was taking the keys to the car, because it's negligent entrustment. In other words, did the owner know that the young man under the influence was taking the keys to the car? And did he allow that happen? That is negligent entrustment. But if the young man just walked in and took the keys without the owner, that does not make the owner responsible for this particular accident," Cardoza said. "If they did discover that he did not know, then they don't have much of a suit against the owner of the car and they will continue to go after the young man, his insurance and his family, and possibly Tesla," he added. Meanwhile, the Tsukaharas hope that through legal action, they will get some answers. But for now, they are taking things day by day. "I have her necklace on, I have her earrings on," Noelle Tsukahara said, motioning her daughter's jewelry. Her parents want the world to know that her daughter was selfless and full of love. She was a freshman at Savannah College of Art and Design and had dreams to live in New York and work in the fashion industry. "Thank you for making me a proud mom. You were an amazing daughter, and sister. And your talent, and your love, and your funny witty ways, and your heart, you touched so many people. And we will never forget you. I love you and I miss you," she said. "I'm proud of you. I love you no matter what. You've left your mark on this world. We'll never forget you and your spirit will live with us on forever. We love you Krysta," her father said. CBS News Bay Area reached out to CHP for comment, and a spokesperson said they do not comment on pending litigation.
Daily Mail
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Family of California girl, 19, who died trapped in burning Cybertruck make shocking accusation against EV owners
The family of a 19-year-old college student who burned to death after being trapped inside a Tesla Cybertruck has claimed the vehicle's owners have not allowed them access to the car. Krysta Michelle Tsukahara, a sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design, was among three victims who perished when the electric vehicle crashed and burst into flames in the early morning hours of November 27, 2024, in Piedmont, California. Tsukahara did not die on impact, but was trapped in the back of the burning Cybertruck. Now her family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit seeking answers about the horrific Thanksgiving tragedy after being frustrated by lack of access to the mangled Cybertruck. In the filing, the Tsukaharas claim they've not had any access to it since the crash occurred. 'Our clients don't want to speculate as to who is to blame,' said attorney Roger Dreyer of Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora in a statement obtained by KRON4. 'They want answers and additional information in order to see who is accountable for this tragedy and who played a role in their daughter's death. Dreyer added: 'This young woman suffered the most horrifying death one could imagine. Her death was caused by her inability to get out of the car and being consumed in the fire that engulfed the vehicle.' Four college students were inside the Cybertruck when it crashed. Three victims - Dixon, Jack Nelson, 20, and Tsukahara - died from smoke inhalation and severe burns, according to autopsy reports. All three were recent graduates of Piedmont High School who had returned home for Thanksgiving break. A fourth passenger, 20-year-old Jordan Miller, was the sole survivor after a witness managed to break a window using a tree branch and pull him from the burning wreckage. 'The family still doesn't know what the course of events were that evening that led to this crash and why this vehicle caught fire,' Dreyer said of the tragedy. 'The family wants and deserves answers to those questions.' 'Krysta was a beautiful, bright young woman with her whole life ahead of her,' her father, Carl Tsukahara, wrote in a statement released by attorneys. 'We've had to endure not only the loss of our daughter, and our son the loss of his sister, but we have had to suffer through the silence of those who were with her that night. 'Our family is seeking additional information regarding all aspects of this tragedy.' The lawsuit, filed in Alameda County court, names the estate of driver Soren Dixon, 19, and Cybertruck owner Charles Patterson as defendants. Dixon, who was behind the wheel when the crash occurred at approximately 3 am, had cocaine in his system and a blood alcohol concentration of 0.195 - more than twice the legal limit - according to a coroner's report. The California Highway Patrol's preliminary investigation concluded that a deadly combination of alcohol intoxication, drug impairment and unsafe speeds caused Dixon to lose control of the vehicle. The lawsuit attempts to uncover more details about what led to the deadly collision and gain access to the Cybertruck for further investigation. The witness who rescued Miller said he tried to pull Tsukahara through the same window as she clambered from the back seat but couldn't get her out. 'I went back to the broken window and yelled for them to try and get out at this window. Krysta tried to come up, sticking her head from the back,' he told police. 'I grabbed her arm to try and pull her towards me but she retreated because of the fire. California Highway Patrol, which led the crash investigation, detailed the desperate efforts of a witness to save the teens moments after impact. The witness said he was at the same small party the four students were drinking at, and was following them as Dixon drove it to Miller's house. He briefly lost sight of the truck as it went around a bend, which a drunk and high-on-cocaine Dixon failed to handle, jumped the curb and crashed into a tree. Confronted with the wrecked truck, the witness ran to help and smashed the front passenger window by hitting it with a tree branch 10 to 15 times. 'I saw a car on fire wedged between a wall and a tree. I instantly knew by the tail it was the Cybertruck. [Miller] was barely conscious,' he told police. 'He had his seatbelt on and I couldn't reach it, so I scream at him to undo it. Eventually he was able to unbuckle. I was able to pull him up and out of the window.' Having rescued Miller, he went back to the car to try saving the others. Tsukahara was sitting behind Miller and closest to the window. The witness then detailed her harrowing but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to escape. The fire, which began at the front of the truck, was spreading across the vehicle though Miller's seat toward Tsukahara, so he tried to get through her window. 'I then grabbed the stick again and began to break the right rear window. I was able to break and pull the window from its frame but once I got in, the fire had made its way throughout the entire car,' he told police.
