A judge awarded $56.5 million in damages to the Fresno family of Beth Buchanan in a wrongful death case arising from a February 2023 high-speed drunk-driving crash in Georgia. (Shutterstock)
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A judge awarded $56.5 million in damages to the family of Beth Buchanan in a wrongful death case arising from the February 2023 high-speed drunk-driving crash in Georgia that killed the University of Georgia Ph.D student.
Beth’s father, Tim Buchanan, is a Fresno attorney with McCormick Barstow, and her mother, Julie Olson-Buchanan, is the dean of the Craig School of Business at Fresno State.
The damages award follows a prior entry of default against the defendant, Cesar Raudales Macias of Athens, who has eluded law enforcement since shortly after the wreck and remains a fugitive. The U.S. Marshals continue to search for him.
The hearing at the Athens-Clarke County Courthouse was limited to determining the amount of damages to be awarded for the full value of Beth 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.”
Parents’ Statement
Beth’s parents said they remain committed to seeking justice for their daughter.
“We are absolutely devastated by the tragic loss of Beth,” Tim Buchanan and Julie Olson-Buchanan said in a statement. “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.”
Got a Tip?
A reward of up to $15,000 remains available for information leading to the suspect’s arrest. Anyone with information about the case 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).
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