Tesla crash victims said they were leaving to test its automated driving Autoblog 2 hrs ago Reuters AUSTIN, Texas — One of the two victims killed in Texas at the weekend in the crash of a Tesla car believed to operate without a driver was William Varner, a doctor, his employer said on Tuesday. Research Volvo The Tesla Model S smashed into a tree near Houston on Saturday night and burst into flames, killing one occupant found in the front passenger seat and the owner in the back seat, police have said. Witnesses told the police that the accident happened shortly after the victims left a house, saying they would test automated driving capability.