In January 2023, Dharmesh Patel, a radiologist from California, drove his Tesla carrying his wife Neha and their two children, aged 7 and 4, off a cliff into a 250-foot gorge.
Miraculously, the family survived with minor injuries despite the severe damage to the car. Patel's wife told rescuers he had intentionally driven off the cliff due to mental distress.
Patel's lawyers argued in court that his actions were influenced by paranoia and delusions, as he believed his family was in danger of being kidnapped or harmed. Doctors diagnosed him with schizoaffective disorder and major depressive disorder.
As a result, Patel was granted a 'mental health diversion,' allowing him to undergo treatment instead of serving jail time.
Patel's wife told rescuers he had intentionally driven off the cliff due to mental distress.
He will be monitored with GPS, report to the court weekly, and surrender his driving license and passport. If he completes the two-year treatment without committing any crimes, the charges will be dropped.
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