Angela Chao with her husband Jim Breyer (Picture: Getty)
The sister-in-law of a top US politician drowned in her Tesla after she was unable to break the strengthened glass as she sank into a pond.
Angela Chao, the sister-in-law of Mitch McConnell, died last month after she reversed into a body of water on a private ranch in Texas.
The 50-year-old was driving home in her Model X from an evening with friends when she attempted a three-point turn accidentally put her car into reverse.
But the type of glass used on the windows and the sunroof is nearly impossible to break underwater, according to the American Automobile Association.
As the car started to sink, Angela called a friend in a panic and rescuers tried to save her over the next several hours.
One friend even jumped into the pond to attempt to rescue her before emergency services arrived 24 minutes after they were called.
They found the vehicle completely submerged, with some even being able to stand on the roof of the car.
Angela backed her car into the largest pond in view (Picture: Bing Maps)
But dive teams had to be brought in along with a tow truck – which did not have a cable long enough to reach the car.
After the Tesla was pulled from the water, hundreds of gallons rushed out as the doors were opened.
Angela was found unresponsive, with paramedics trying to revive her for 43 minutes.
Drivers need to roll down electric windows within seconds of an accident occurring.
Angela Chao died last month after she reversed into a body of water (Picture: Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
It would also have been impossible to open the car door due to water pressure against the side of the door.
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.’
But no further details of the criminality have been shared.
Anglela’s husband Jim Breyer wrote: ‘We are heartbroken.’
Angela is the sister-in-law to Mitch McConnell, picturedhis wife Elaine Chao (Picture: AFP)
Her father, James S.C. Chao remembered his youngest daughter as ‘thoughtful, kind and devoted’ and a ‘charismatic and visionary leader’.
He said: ‘It is with a heavy heart and deep 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, our entire family and friends.
‘As a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, wife and friend, she was unfailingly filial, thoughtful, kind and devoted.’
The family added: ‘As a trail blazer for women in the executive suite, she inspired others to pursue their dreams. She also loved music and tried the French horn as her instrument when young, insisting on carrying it herself to every lesson.
‘These early experiences created a lifelong, passionate commitment to the fine arts.
‘Angela’s name in Chinese sounds like the characters for peace and prosperity. She certainly gave more than her share of both to this world.’
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