Mitch McConnell’s sister-in-law Angela Chao drowned in her Tesla after the vehicle’s reinforced glass failed to break and it backed into a pond.
Chao, who was CEO of shipping company Foremost Group, died last month after her car entered a body of water on a private ranch in Texas.
Disturbing details have since emerged detailing the frantic rescue mission to save the 50-year-old man.
In a report of the Wall Street Journalthe outlet details how Chao had driven his Tesla home after a night out with friends when he accidentally put the car in reverse.
Due to the type of glass used in the vehicle, attempts to crash it proved redundant.
According to tests conducted by the American Automobile Association, the type of glass used in the vehicle is almost impossible to break underwater.
Chao had been spending the weekend with her closest friends celebrating Chinese New Year while her husband, venture capitalist Jim Breyer, was away at a conference.
Chao, who was CEO of shipping company Foremost Group, died last month after her car entered a body of water on a private ranch in Texas; Here is an aerial shot of the property.
Chao had been doing a three-point turn before the fatal accident and put the car in reverse instead of driving, sending it down an embankment and into a pond.
When the car sank below the water line, Chao called a friend in a panic to explain her situation, and for the next few hours rescuers tried in vain to rescue her.
Shortly after making her call, a friend jumped into the pond to try to rescue her before lifeguards arrived.
When the car sank below the water line, Chao called a friend in a panic to explain her situation, and for the next few hours rescuers tried in vain to rescue her.
In an incident report obtained by the WSJ, a fire department crew arrived at the scene 24 minutes after receiving a call.
A first responder described the vehicle as completely submerged, and some sheriff’s department deputies were even able to stand on it as they attempted to rescue Chao.
It was necessary to install lighting and bring in diving equipment to assist in the rescue mission, as well as a crane.
Despite arriving at the scene, the truck did not have a cable long enough to reach the car and the driver was also said to be afraid of being electrocuted.
After they finally pulled the vehicle out of the water, hundreds of gallons rushed out as the doors opened, and Chao was found unconscious.
Angela Chao, director of the dry bulk shipping company, died early last month.
It is said that Chao made a mistake with the gear lever of his metallic blue Tesla, here the model is seen, putting the car in reverse and jumping into a pond.
From left to right, the Chao sisters: Grace, Christine, Elaine, May and Angela Chao, photographed in 2016.
Efforts to resuscitate Chao began immediately and paramedics attempted 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 be extremely difficult to escape the vehicle.
Previously, drivers would have been able to roll down their windows to exit, but today a driver would have to roll down the power windows within seconds of an accident, something that might seem counterintuitive.
Opening a car door would also be nearly impossible given the pressure of the water against the side of the door.
The tragic death is also being investigated 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 this was an unfortunate accident, the Sheriff’s Office is still investigating this accident as a criminal matter until they have sufficient evidence to rule out criminal activity.”
No further details were shared about what type of criminality may have happened to Chao.
On Friday night, in response to the Journal’s report, Chao’s husband simply wrote: “We are heartbroken.”
Her father, James SC Chao, remembered his youngest daughter as “thoughtful, kind and devoted,” as well as being a much-loved “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 devoted,” as well as being a much-loved “charismatic and visionary leader.”
He said in a statement: “It is with great regret and profound 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, all our family and friends.
”As a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, wife and friend, she was unfailingly filial, considerate, kind and devoted.’
The family added: ‘As a trailblazer for women in the executive suite, she inspired others to pursue their dreams. She also loved music and tried the French horn as an instrument when she was young, insisting on bringing it herself to every lesson.
‘These early experiences created a passionate, lifelong commitment to the fine arts.
‘Angela’s name in Chinese sounds like the characters for peace and prosperity. Certainly she 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 the Labor and Transportation departments.
Chao was the sister of McConnell’s wife, Elaine Chao, who served as secretary of the Labor and Transportation departments. McConnell and Chao appear here in 1993.
During his tearful speech Wednesday, McConnell mentioned Angela’s passing and said it was tragic.
Angela Chao is pictured with her first husband, Bruce Wasserstein, who died in 2009, just months after they married.
McConnell announced last month that he would step down as Senate Republican leader at the end of this year.
Speaking on the Senate floor, he said: ‘This has been a particularly difficult time for my family. We tragically lost Angela, Elaine’s younger sister, just a few weeks ago.
“When you lose a loved one, especially at a young age, there is a certain introspection that accompanies the grieving process.”
Angela Chao was married to Jim Breyer, who has an estimated net worth of $2.9 billion.
Breyer is a co-owner of the Boston Celtics and previously served on the boards of Facebook, Walmart, Marvel, News Corp and Dell.