Mitch McConnell’s billionaire sister-in-law Angela Chao drowned in sinking Tesla because its strengthened glass windows were ‘impossible to break or open’ after she reversed into pond
Mitch McConnell’s sister-in-law Angela Chao drowned in her Tesla after the vehicle’s reinforced glass failed to be broken. She backed into a pond.
Chao, CEO of shipping company Foremost Group, died last month after her car fell into water on a private ranch in Texas.
Since then, disturbing details have emerged about the frenzied rescue mission to save the 50-year-old.
In a report by the Wall Street Journalthe outlet describes how Chao had been driving her Tesla home from an evening with friends when she accidentally put the car in reverse.
Due to the type of glass used in the vehicle, attempts to hit the vehicle proved unnecessary.
According to tests conducted by the American Automobile Association, the type of glass used on the vehicle is almost impossible to break underwater.
Chao had spent the weekend with her best friends celebrating Chinese New Year while her husband, venture capitalist Jim Breyer, was away at a conference
Chao, the CEO of shipping company Foremost Group, died last month after her car fell into water at a private ranch in Texas. Here is an aerial photo of the building.
Chao had made a three-point turn before the fatal accident and put the car in reverse instead of the roadway, sending him careening down an embankment into a pond.
As the car sank below the waterline, Chao panicked calling a friend to explain her situation and for the next few hours rescuers tried in vain to save her.
Shortly after she called, a friend jumped into the pond to try to save her before emergency responders arrived on the scene.
As the car sank below the waterline, Chao panicked calling a friend to explain her situation and for the next few hours rescuers tried in vain to save her.
According to an incident report obtained by the WSJ, a fire crew arrived on scene 24 minutes after a call.
One responder described the vehicle as completely submerged, with some sheriff’s department deputies even able to step on it while trying to rescue Chao.
Lighting had to be installed and dive teams had to be deployed to support the rescue mission, as well as a tow truck.
Despite being on site, the truck did not have a cable long enough to reach the car and the driver was also said to be in fear of being electrocuted.
After the vehicle was finally pulled from the water, hundreds of gallons poured out when the doors were opened, with Chao unresponsive.
Angela Chao, head of the dry bulk shipping company, died earlier last month
Chao allegedly made a mistake with the gear lever of her metallic blue Tesla, the model is seen here, putting the car in reverse and steering it into a pond
From left to right, the Chao sisters: Grace, Christine, Elaine, May and Angela Chao, pictured in 2016
Efforts to resuscitate Chao began immediately with paramedics attempting to revive her for 43 minutes.
Normally, the driver and passengers of a sinking car would only have about 60 seconds to get out before it would become extremely difficult to escape the vehicle.
Previously, drivers could roll down the window to get out, but today a driver would have to roll up the power windows within seconds of an accident – something that may seem counterintuitive.
Opening a car door would also prove virtually impossible, given the water pressure against the side of the door.
The tragic death is also now under investigation as part of a criminal investigation, according to the Blanco County Sheriff’s Office.
In a letter to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Blanco County Sheriff’s Office said, “This incident was not a typical accident.
“Although the preliminary investigation indicated that this was an unfortunate accident, the Sheriff’s Office is still investigating this accident as a criminal case until they have sufficient evidence to rule out criminal activity.”
No further details were shared about the type of crime that happened to Chao.
On Friday evening, Chao’s husband wrote simply in response to The Journal’s reporting: “We are heartbroken.”
Her father, James SC Chao, remembered his youngest daughter as “thoughtful, kind and dedicated” and as a beloved “charismatic and visionary leader”
The Chao Family: On the far left is Angela, who died in the car accident. In the back row are her sisters Christine, May and Grace. Sitting next to her father James SC Chao is Elaine Chao. James SC Chao sits next to the portrait of his late wife
Angela Chao is pictured with her husband Jim Breyer in 2023. Her first husband died during their first year of marriage
Chao’s father, James SC Chao, remembered his youngest daughter as “thoughtful, kind and dedicated” and as a beloved “charismatic and visionary leader.”
He said in a statement: “It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved youngest daughter, Angela Chao.
“Angela is a brilliant woman, a charismatic and visionary leader and much loved by all her sisters, our entire family and friends.
“As a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, wife and friend, she was unfailingly childlike, thoughtful, kind and devoted.”
The family added: “As a pioneer for women in the executive suite, she inspired others to pursue their dreams. She also loved music and tried the horn as her instrument when she was young, insisting on carrying it herself to every lesson.
‘These early experiences created a lifelong, passionate commitment to the visual arts.
‘Angela’s name in Chinese sounds like the characters for peace and prosperity. She certainly gave more than her share of both to this world.”
Chao was the sister of McConnell’s wife, Elaine Chao, who served as secretary of both the Labor and Transportation departments.
Chao was the sister of McConnell’s wife, Elaine Chao, who served as secretary of both the Labor and Transportation departments. McConnell and Chao are seen here in 1993
During his tearful speech on Wednesday, McConnell brought up Angela’s death, saying it was tragic
Angela Chao is pictured with her first husband Bruce Wasserstein, who died in 2009, just months after their wedding
McConnell announced last month that he would resign as Senate Republican leader later this year.
Speaking in the Senate, he said: ‘This has been an extremely difficult time for my family. A few weeks ago we tragically lost Elaine’s younger sister Angela.
‘When you lose a loved one, especially at a young age, there is a certain introspection that comes with the grieving process.’
Angela Chao was married to Jim Breyer, who has an estimated net worth of $2.9 billion.
Breyer is co-owner of the Boston Celtics and previously served on the boards of Facebook, Walmart, Marvel, News Corp and Dell.