Third Victim Identified in Pasadena Crash That Killed 2 Others, Injured 3 More

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified Esrom Fessehaye, 22, as the third person killed in a solo Tesla crash in East Pasadena early Saturday morning. Fessehaye was riding as the front passenger in the vehicle, which carried a total of six young adults, when it struck a curb on near a slight curve on Foothill Boulevard, went airborne, and collided with a street light, power pole, and vacant building, according to officials and video footage of the incident.

Friends of the victims have been gathering daily at a makeshift memorial near the crash site in the 2300 block of Foothill Boulevard at Vista Avenue to mourn and draw comfort from one another. 

The vehicle, traveling westbound at speeds exceeding 100 mph, ran a red light before striking the curb and crashing

The car’s driver, Moheb Samuel, 22, was operating the 2018 Tesla Model 3 on a suspended license after failing to appear in court for a DUI charge from September 2023, resulting in a $26,000 warrant, according to Lisa Derderian, a Pasadena city spokesperson.

Samuel and passengers Stefan Pfeiffer, 20, and the 22-year-old man, now identified as Fessehaye, were killed. 

Emerson Newquist, 20, Bella Ramirez, 18, and Samuel’s 17-year-old sister, who was in the back seat, were transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, authorities said.

Some of those involved had ties to Maranatha High School, which canceled its planned Senior Ditch Day event last and provided counselors to support the school community. 

A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist Newquist with living and medical expenses during his recovery. 

Police have said they believe alcohol may have been a factor, but toxicology results are pending. 

Three of the four passengers in the back seat were not wearing seatbelts and were ejected during the crash.

The incident caused significant damage to the struck building, which has been yellow-tagged, and a power outage affecting 663 residents and businesses. 

Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Pasadena Police Department or report information anonymously through “Crime Stoppers.”