The family of a 20-year-old Massachusetts student has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Tesla following a fatal crash that occurred in late 2025.

According to court documents, Samuel Tremblett died on October 29, 2025, after a collision on Turnpike Street in Easton, Massachusetts. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, alleges that a 2021 Tesla Model Y involved in the crash had design issues that contributed to the tragedy.

The complaint states that after the vehicle struck a tree, a fire broke out and Samuel was unable to exit the car. The family claims the vehicle’s electronic door system did not allow him to open the doors after the collision. The lawsuit alleges he suffered severe thermal injuries and smoke inhalation.

The filing also references an emergency call reportedly made after the crash, in which the driver asked for help. First responders arrived at the scene, and the fire was eventually extinguished, according to the complaint.

Samuel’s mother, Jacquelyn Tremblett, is listed as the plaintiff in the case. The lawsuit claims Samuel survived the initial impact but was unable to leave the vehicle after the fire began. The family alleges the door handle system was “defective and unreasonably dangerous,” and that safer alternatives were possible.

In addition to wrongful death, the lawsuit includes claims of negligence and conscious pain and suffering. The complaint also cites other past incidents in which occupants were reportedly unable to exit vehicles, though those claims will be evaluated as part of the legal process.

Tesla has not publicly responded to the specific lawsuit at the time of writing. However, reports from late 2025 noted that the company has worked on safety updates, including features designed to automatically unlock doors and activate hazard lights after serious collisions.

As with any ongoing legal matter, the claims outlined in the lawsuit represent allegations from the plaintiff and have not been proven in court. The case will proceed through the legal system, where evidence and arguments from both sides can be reviewed.

An obituary shared by a local funeral home described Samuel as a caring and energetic young man who valued his friendships and was known for his kindness and loyalty.

The lawsuit seeks damages related to the loss of life. No trial date has been announced yet.