ATHENS, Ga. (FOX26) — More than a year after a high-speed drunk-driving crash killed University of Georgia PhD student Beth Buchanan, her family in Fresno has been awarded $56.5 million in damages in a wrongful death case.
Meanwhile, the man accused of causing the crash, Cesar Raudales Macias of Athens, remains on the run.
The damages award stems from a February 2023 crash, when investigators say Macias caused a head-on crash in the community of Winder, about 50 miles east of Atlanta.
Beth was driving her mother, Julie Olsen-Buchanan, to the airport to fly back to Fresno. Julie survived the crash.
Police said Macias was under the influence hours after Super Bowl Sunday.
A hearing at the Athens-Clarke County Courthouse was limited to determining the amount of damages to be awarded for the full value of Buchanan’s life.
“This judgment formally recognizes the immense value of Beth’s life and how truly extraordinary she was,” said Rob Snyder of Cannella Snyder, counsel for the Buchanan family. “This is an important first step towards accountability.”
Beth’s parents, Tim Buchanan and Julie Olson-Buchanan, said they remain committed to seeking justice for their daughter.
Beth grew up in the Central Valley and graduated from Clovis West.
“We are absolutely devastated by the tragic loss of Beth,” said Tim Buchanan and Julie Olson-Buchanan. “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. 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. We also hope this renewed attention will help bring the person responsible to justice. We continue to ask anyone who may have information, no matter how small it may seem, to please come forward.”
A $15,000 reward is available for information leading to Macias’ arrest.
Anyone with information about Macias or his whereabouts can submit an anonymous tip to Atlanta Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477), online at www.StopCrimeAtl.org, or by texting CSA and the tip to CRIME (274637).