Mikhael Romanenko dies in fatal San Francisco multi-vehicle crash
Fatal San Francisco collision claims the life of 27-year-old Mikhael Romanenko – Obituary
Mikhael Romanenko, 27, a resident of San Francisco, tragically lost his life in a deadly multi-vehicle crash in the South of Market neighborhood on January 19, 2025.
The crash, which occurred around 6:10 p.m. at Sixth and Harrison streets, involved seven vehicles and eight people, according to police.
Authorities reported that a black Tesla, driven by 66-year-old Jia Lin Zheng, collided with multiple vehicles, including a self-driving Waymo car, causing extensive damage. Romanenko and a dog were pronounced dead at the scene.
Several others, including Zheng, were injured and transported to the hospital. Zheng has since been arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, reckless driving causing injury, speeding, and felony vandalism.
Romanenko was a talented engineer working at venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins. A colleague fondly recalled him as “Misha,” praising his dedication, talent, and collaborative spirit, adding that he would be deeply missed.
Investigators are still determining whether alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash. Zheng claimed that his Tesla’s brakes failed, which investigators are working to verify through vehicle inspections, accident reconstruction, and data from the car’s black box.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the San Francisco Police Department at (415) 575-4444 or send an anonymous tip by texting TIP411 and beginning the message with “SFPD.”
