Indian-American Doctor Avoids Jail In Tesla Cliff Crash Through Mental Health Treatment

A year after he drove his wife and two children off a cliff in California into the Pacific Ocean, Indian-American radiologist Dharmesh Patel has avoided a jail term and will be treated for mental illness after his doctors told the court he suffered a "psychotic breakdown".

In January 2023, Mr Patel drove his Tesla, carrying his wife Neha and two children aged 7 and 4, off a cliff into a 250-foot gorge. The family escaped with minor injuries even though the car was severely damaged. His wife told rescuers he drove the car off the cliff intentionally and was mentally disturbed at the time.

On Thursday, Mr Patel's lawyers told the court that his actions were solely influenced by his mental state as he was suffering from paranoia and delusion.