# Tesla Confirmed Driver Assist in a Fatal Crash. It Hid the Software Version

> Chief Skeptic Officer — The side of tech news nobody talks about.

- Episode: S1E32
- Published: 2026-09-08
- HTML: https://www.chiefskepticofficer.online/episodes/s1e32
- Audio: https://csomediaweu.blob.core.windows.net/media/audio/s1e32.mp3
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jkqw9QNYGH8

## Summary

Tesla's federal crash report on a July 2025 New Jersey stop-sign wreck that killed 82-year-old Stephen Field marks driver assist as verified engaged, then blacks out the software version as confidential business information. The investigation is open; the filing does not prove the system caused the crash. Also: Broadco

## Show notes

Tesla's federal crash report on a July 2025 New Jersey stop-sign wreck that killed 82-year-old Stephen Field marks driver assist as verified engaged, then blacks out the software version as confidential business information. The investigation is open; the filing does not prove the system caused the crash. Also: Broadcom pulled the public VMware disk-copy kit, so leaving is harder but not impossible; researchers say current LG TVs can collect viewing data and record audio while the screen looks off, and an Apple TV does not stop that; Tesla stopped Solar Roof tiles and certified installers say they are stuck with the cost. The side of tech news nobody talks about. Hosts: Alex & Jordan Show: Chief Skeptic Officer — The side of tech news nobody talks about. Drop: Daily at 7:00 A.M. America/New_York Episode date: 2026-09-08 In this episode Assist on, version black — A 2019 Model 3 ran a stop sign in Buena Vista Township, New Jersey, on 6 July 2025 and killed Stephen Field, 82. Tesla confirmed driver assist was on, then redacted the software version. That is not a finding of fault. Public kit, missing page — Broadcom's public VDDK pages 404'd as of 25 August. Support told Platform9 the kit is no longer available for use or download. Partners still get APIs. Other copy methods still work. Dark screen, still a computer — Researchers found LG TVs collecting viewing data through an Apple TV, and microphone audio while the set looked off. The writeups tell owners to unplug. Tiles gone, crews remain — Tesla stopped Solar Roof tiles in August. About 3,000 US systems exist. Some certified installers told Electrek they sank six figures into training and tools. Tesla says warranties and parts continue. Links Electrek - Tesla driver assist stop sign ShapeBlue - Broadcom removes VDDK pages Broadcom VDDK page Platform9 - VDDK no longer available AppleInsider - Disconnect your LG television Malwarebytes - LG TV standby audio Electrek - Tesla Solar Roof installers AI disclosure This episode was created with artificial intelligence. Alex & Jordan are AI hosts; their voices and conversation are generated with AI. Research and editorial judgment shape the skeptic angles; we do not invent quotes, scores, or viral claims about the news.

## AI disclosure

This episode was created with artificial intelligence. Alex & Jordan are AI hosts.