Indian-Origin Doctor Drove Family Off a 250-Foot Cliff, What Happened Next?
A California court has cleared an Indian-origin doctor who drove his family off a cliff after ruling that his actions were linked to a serious mental illness and successful treatment.
A California court has dismissed all criminal charges against Indian-origin doctor Dr. Dharmesh Patel, who was accused of deliberately driving his wife and two young children off a 250-foot cliff in 2023. The decision has sparked a major debate in the United States.
The incident took place on 2 January 2023. Dr. Patel, a radiologist living in California, was driving his Tesla on the Pacific Coast Highway with his wife, Neha Patel, and their two children, aged 7 and 4. The car suddenly went off the road and fell nearly 250 feet down the rocky Devil's Slide cliff.
Rescue teams rushed to the spot and climbed down the steep cliff using ropes. Despite the severe crash, all four family members survived and were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
After the incident, police alleged that the crash was not an accident. Dr. Patel was arrested and charged with three counts of attempted murder. According to reports, his wife initially told first responders that he had intentionally driven the car off the cliff.
During the investigation, doctors found that Patel was suffering from major depressive disorder with psychotic features. Court records said he believed his children were in danger of being kidnapped and trafficked, and acted under these false beliefs.
In 2024, the court allowed him to enter California's Mental Health Diversion Programme instead of facing a criminal trial. He underwent psychiatric treatment and counselling for two years under court supervision. His wife later told the court that she had forgiven him and wanted the family to move forward together.
After successfully completing the treatment programme, the court dismissed all charges against Patel on 7 July 2026, as allowed under California law. He has also surrendered his medical licence and is no longer practising as a doctor.
The court's decision has divided public opinion. While some believe Patel should have faced trial because the lives of his family were at risk, others say people with serious mental illness should receive treatment instead of only punishment.
