A tragic accident in Georgia today has sent shockwaves around the world after it was confirmed that the pedestrian struck by a distracted driver was Maye Musk, the 77-year-old mother of tech billionaire and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

The incident occurred around 3:40 PM in Savannah, Georgia, where witnesses say Maye was walking with family members near a boutique café and bookstore. According to Savannah police, the driver — a 26-year-old male — ran a red light while looking at his phone, plowing into Maye Musk as she stepped into the crosswalk.

“It was a loud screech followed by screams,” said eyewitness Carla Jennings. “She was with two other people and had just stepped off the curb when the car hit her. It was terrifying.”

Emergency Response and Hospitalization

Paramedics were on the scene within minutes and found Maye unconscious but breathing, suffering from multiple injuries, including head trauma, a fractured shoulder, and a broken leg. She was rushed to Memorial Health University Medical Center, where she remains in critical but stable condition, according to hospital staff.

Police confirmed the driver stayed at the scene and has since been taken into custody. He is expected to face multiple charges, including reckless driving, failure to yield, and causing serious injury through negligence.

Elon Musk Responds

News of the accident reached Elon Musk just hours after it occurred. The SpaceX and Tesla CEO, who was attending meetings in Texas at the time, immediately flew to Georgia and arrived at the hospital by private jet late Monday afternoon.

“Elon was visibly shaken,” said a hospital employee. “He rushed through the side entrance with security but didn’t speak to the press. He went straight to her room.”

Musk later posted a brief but emotional message on X (formerly Twitter), writing:

“My mom was hit by a distracted driver today while walking with family. She is in the hospital now, and we are staying strong. Please — put your phones down when driving. And if you believe in prayer, send one her way.”

The post was met with an outpouring of support, generating over 80 million views within six hours and trending globally with the hashtag #PrayForMaye.

A Beloved Public Figure

Maye Musk, a respected model, nutritionist, author, and speaker, has long been admired for her elegance, intelligence, and independence. In recent years, she has become a global icon in her own right — gracing the covers of magazines like Time and Sports Illustrated and inspiring millions with her story of resilience as a single mother raising three children, including one of the world’s most influential figures.

She has also been an outspoken advocate for women’s empowerment and aging with confidence, often saying, “It’s never too late to chase your dreams.”

“Maye Musk is a symbol of grace and strength,” tweeted model Tyra Banks. “We are all lifting her up tonight.”

Support from Around the World

Messages of love, concern, and outrage poured in from across industries — from tech leaders to celebrities, politicians, and influencers.

“The Musk family is in our thoughts tonight,” wrote Microsoft founder Bill Gates.
“Wishing Maye a full recovery. She’s a force of nature,” tweeted Oprah Winfrey.
Even President Joe Biden issued a statement: “Our prayers are with Maye Musk and her family. No family should face this kind of fear because of distracted driving.”

Gwyneth Paltrow, a friend of Maye’s from wellness circles, posted on Instagram:

“This is devastating. She’s one of the most vibrant women I’ve ever met. We are sending love and strength.”

Distracted Driving in the Spotlight

Georgia’s Hands-Free Law makes it illegal for drivers to hold or use a mobile device while operating a vehicle, but police say the law is violated “thousands of times a day.” This incident — involving one of the most well-known families in the world — is expected to reignite calls for stricter enforcement and stiffer penalties.

“This isn’t just about Maye Musk,” said Lt. Ronald Hill of Savannah PD. “It’s about the thousands of lives changed or ended each year because someone couldn’t wait to check their phone.”

According to the NHTSA, 3,522 people died in distracted driving crashes in the U.S. in 2023.

A Family Holds Its Breath

While Elon Musk remains by his mother’s side, he has postponed all public appearances, including a scheduled press event for Tesla and a satellite launch meeting with SpaceX. His siblings, Kimbal and Tosca Musk, are also reportedly en route to Georgia.

“Family is everything to Elon,” a source close to the family said. “Behind the headlines and innovation, he’s just a son scared for his mom.”

Fans of Maye have already begun organizing online vigils and letter-writing campaigns. Outside the hospital, a small crowd gathered quietly with candles, holding signs reading: “We Love You, Maye” and “Drive Like It’s Your Mom in the Crosswalk.”

A Universal Reminder

This tragedy transcends fame. It’s a painful reminder that no one is safe from the consequences of distraction, and that every face behind the statistics is someone’s parent, someone’s sister, someone’s hero.

Tonight, Maye Musk is all three.

And tonight, the world is holding its breath — and holding her close.