Share and Follow
Insets, left to right: Beth Buchanan (Canella Snyder LLC) and Cesar Raudales Macias (U.S. Marshals). Background: University Parkway near Patrick Mill Road SW in Winder, Georgia (Google Maps).
A Georgia judge has ordered a payout exceeding $50 million to the family of a Ph.D. student tragically killed by a suspected drunk driver involved in a wrong-way collision. The student was en route to the airport with her mother when the incident occurred.
Beth Buchanan, aged 23, was transporting her mother to the Atlanta airport in the early hours, just after 3 a.m. on February 13, 2023. The alleged offender, Cesar Raudales Macias, reportedly executed an illegal U-turn on University Parkway near Patrick Mill Road SW in Winder, approximately 40 miles from Atlanta’s city center.
At the time, Macias, who was 25 years old, is accused of driving in the wrong direction on University Parkway, resulting in a head-on collision with Buchanan’s Kia Soul, as stated in the lawsuit.
“The impact was so devastating that a witness initially believed the vehicle had ‘exploded,'” Buchanan’s legal team described in the wrongful death lawsuit filed against Macias in 2024.
Buchanan succumbed to her injuries, while her mother, Julie Olson-Buchanan, endured severe injuries that necessitated an extended hospital stay.
“Although severe, Ms. Olson-Buchanan’s physical injuries were the smallest component of her pain and suffering — she also witnessed the death of her 23-year-old daughter,” the lawsuit said. “In a heartbreaking 911 recording, she can be heard trying to ask if Beth was OK and realizing she wasn’t breathing. Ms. Olson-Buchanan’s life will never be the same.”
Per plaintiff lawyers, Macias’ blood alcohol content was “significantly over the legal limit.” He is facing vehicular manslaughter and DUI charges. Macias was taken to the hospital after the crash but allegedly fled before cops could arrest him. He remains a fugitive.
Buchanan was a second year grad student at the University of Georgia studying psychology. Several of her teachers, family and friends spoke about the impact she had on them and others.
“One theme, in particular, appeared again and again in the stories shared about Beth: she was a light,” wrote Athens-Clark County Judge Charles Auslander. “Nearly every person who spoke about her described the way she brightened the lives around her. One person even described her as ‘golden.’ It is rare to be described that way — to posses a warmth, brilliance, and kindness that others immediately recognize.”
Auslander calculated that Buchanan would have lived another 56 years and the “value” of each year she lived would have exceeded $1 million. In the end, Auslander awarded the family $56.5 million.
But Buchanan’s family does not expect to receive a dime from Macias.
“This judgment formally recognizes the immense value of Beth’s life and how truly extraordinary she was,” plaintiff attorney Rob Snyder told local NBC affiliate WXIA. “This is an important first step towards accountability.”
In a statement to the outlet, Buchanan’s parents said the lawsuit was never about the money.
“This award is largely symbolic and we do not want it to be mistaken for compensation. No amount of money could ever account for the loss of our daughter or fill the void she left behind,” the statement said. “For us, this judgment is about a formal, legal acknowledgment of the beautiful life that was stolen from her and all those who loved her.”
Anyone with information on Macias’ whereabouts can contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-877-926-8332.