A Georgia judge has granted a compensation of over $50 million to the family of a Ph.D. student who tragically lost her life in a collision caused by a suspected drunk driver traveling the wrong direction. The student was transporting her mother to the airport at the time of the accident.

The young woman, Beth Buchanan, aged 23, was on her way to the Atlanta airport with her mother in the early hours of February 13, 2023. The incident occurred when the accused, Cesar Raudales Macias, allegedly executed an illegal U-turn on University Parkway near Patrick Mill Road SW in Winder, a location approximately 40 miles from the heart of Atlanta.

According to the lawsuit, Macias, who was 25 at the time, drove against traffic on University Parkway and crashed head-on into Buchanan’s Kia Soul.

The legal filing describes the impact as so violent that a witness initially mistook it for an explosion. This observation was noted in the wrongful death lawsuit brought against Macias in 2024 by Buchanan’s legal representatives.

Tragically, Buchanan did not survive the crash, and her mother, Julie Olson-Buchanan, sustained severe injuries that necessitated an extended hospital stay.

The lawsuit highlights that, despite the gravity of her physical injuries, the emotional trauma for Ms. Olson-Buchanan was far greater, as she witnessed the death of her daughter. In a distressing 911 call, she is heard anxiously checking on Beth’s condition, only to realize her daughter was not breathing. The suit underscored that Ms. Olson-Buchanan’s life has been irrevocably altered by the tragedy.

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.