70-Year-Old Man Sinks Tesla Cybertruck in Lake During Test

May 21, 2026

64 min

May 21, 2026 01:30

Man, 70, sinks Tesla Cybertruck in lake while testing ‘wade' mode: Texas Police

## Incident Overview

A 70-year-old man from North Texas attempted to test the "Wade Mode" feature of his Tesla Cybertruck by driving it into Grapevine Lake. This feature is designed to help the vehicle navigate shallow water by temporarily raising its suspension and pressurizing the battery pack.

## What Went Wrong

The test did not go as planned. The Cybertruck entered water deeper than it could handle, causing it to lose power and take on water. The steering system failed, leaving the vehicle stranded in the lake.

## Escape and Aftermath

The driver, Jimmy Jack McDaniel, and his two passengers managed to escape through the windows before emergency crews arrived. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. However, McDaniel now faces several charges, including operating a vehicle in a restricted area and failing to register a watercraft.

## Tesla's "Wade Mode"

Tesla's "Wade Mode" is intended for shallow water crossings, with a recommended maximum depth of 32 inches. The owner's manual advises checking water depth before attempting such crossings and notes that water damage is not covered under warranty.

## Public Reaction

The incident has attracted significant attention online, adding to the Cybertruck's reputation for viral moments. Critics have expressed concerns that drivers might overestimate the vehicle's capabilities based on promotional material and online demonstrations.

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