An 87-year-old Wesley Chapel man died following a crash Tuesday night involving a Tesla operating in autopilot mode in Pasco County.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred on May 26, 2026, at approximately 8:10 p.m. along Overpass Road, east of Infinite Drive.
Troopers said the driver was operating a Tesla Model Y SUV eastbound in autopilot mode when the vehicle departed the roadway for unknown reasons. The SUV struck an electrical box before continuing into a pond, where it became submerged.
The driver was transported to an area hospital, where he later died from injuries suffered in the crash.
A 75-year-old Wesley Chapel woman who was riding as a passenger suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was also transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
NOTE:
Autopilot is Tesla’s standard driver-assistance system. It is different than Full Self-Driving (FSD).
What it does
Adaptive cruise control
Lane centering / lane keeping
Basic highway assistance
Driver responsibility
You must:
Keep hands on the wheel
Pay attention at all times
Be ready to take over immediately