In a tragic incident last month, Angela Chao, CEO of shipping company Foremost Group and sister of former US cabinet secretary Elaine Chao, lost her life after her car became submerged in a pond on a Central Texas ranch. The incident occurred on February 10, as reported by the Wall Street Journal and a report from Blanco County Emergency Services obtained by the Austin American-Statesman.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Chao was driving her Tesla Model X SUV when she accidentally put the car in reverse instead of drive while performing a three-point turn near midnight. The vehicle went over an embankment and into a pond, trapping Chao inside.

Emergency workers received a 911 call and arrived at the scene 24 minutes later. However, due to the difficult terrain, they had to walk to the location of the pond before they could initiate rescue efforts. The incident report from a Blanco County first responder detailed the challenges faced by the rescue team.

Despite their attempts to break the window of the submerged vehicle and retrieve Chao, the rescue team was unable to save her. Additional resources, including a dive team, were requested but were not immediately available.

Eventually, a tow truck with a longer cable was able to pull the car out of the pond. However, the Wall Street Journal highlighted concerns expressed by one tow truck driver about potential electrocution hazards posed by the electric car, although such vehicles are designed to eliminate such risks, even when submerged.

Authorities are still investigating the incident, and no official comments have been provided by Blanco County Emergency Services, the Blanco County Sheriff's Office, or Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office. A letter from the Blanco County Public Information Office to Paxton's office, obtained by the Austin American-Statesman, stated that while the initial investigation indicated that it was an unfortunate accident, the Sherif's Office is treating it as a criminal matter until sufficient evidence rules out criminal activity.

Angela Chao was part of a prominent family, being one of the five sisters of Elaine Chao, who served as labor secretary under President George W. Bush and transportation secretary under President Donald Trump. Elaine Chao is also married to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

This tragedy has brought sorrow and mourning to the family and friends of Angela Chao, as they seek answers about the circumstances surrounding her untimely death.