Shipping tycoon Angela Chao was drunk when she inadvertently reversed her Tesla into a pond and drowned last month at a Texas ranch, police say.

Blanco County Sheriff’s Office found her blood alcohol level was nearly three times the state’s legal limit.

The 50-year-old died after dinner on 10 February with a group of friends at the estate near Johnson City.

Her brother-in-law, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, cited the tragedy in his resignation speech.

On Wednesday, Blanco County Sheriff’s Office released the findings of its investigation concluding Ms Chao’s death was an “unfortunate accident”.

    • Schmuppes@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      5
      ·
      7 months ago

      It’s pretty unlikely she got into the vehicle to do donuts on the front lawn. It is pretty likely she was gonna enter public roads while intoxicated behind the wheel, and I applaud her for preventing herself from doing it. Permanently.

    • BreakDecks
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      2
      ·
      edit-2
      7 months ago

      It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influnce anywhere in the state of Texas.

      • BreakDecks
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        7 months ago

        Seems a little out of their jurisdiction tbh.

        • prole@sh.itjust.works
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          1
          ·
          7 months ago

          Lol police exist to protect private property, of course it’s within their jurisdiction.

    • Blackmist@feddit.uk
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      7 months ago

      Probably depends where you are. Evidence does suggest however that it is very unwise regardless of the legality.

    • Rob T Firefly@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      7 months ago

      It turns out a surprising amount of illegal things are still illegal even if you do them at home.

      nervously checks on secret basement sweatshop full of kidnapped children sewing knockoff designer jeans