Electrek: Tesla confirms Autopilot/FSD was engaged in fatal New Jersey crash

On August 22, 2026, a 2021 Tesla Model Y crossed the median of Route 55 in New Jersey and struck an oncoming Chevrolet SUV, killing 68-year-old Phillip Eastman. Tesla's NHTSA report marks the driver-assist system as "Verified Engaged" but redacts the software version and crash narrative.

• Crash occurred August 22, 2026, on Route 55 in Vineland, New Jersey
• 68-year-old Phillip Eastman, driver of the oncoming Chevrolet SUV, was killed
• Tesla's NHTSA report marks driver-assist status as "Verified Engaged"
• Software version and crash narrative redacted as confidential business information