Georgia Doctor passes away, 2 others injured in fiery Opelika head-on crash
Opelika dispatch received a call about a multiple vehicle crash on Interstate 85 at the Exit 62 Northbound exit ramp on September 7, 2024, at approximately 7:17 p.m.
Image: Opelika Police Department
Officers located two vehicles, a Tesla and a Toyota 4Runner, which appeared to have crashed head on. The Tesla was on fire and the responding officer was able to extinguish the flames long enough to assist the occupants until Opelika Fire arrived on scene.
The driver of the 4Runner and the passenger of the Tesla were transported by ambulance, and the driver of the Tesla via Life Flight, to Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital in Columbus, GA.
Image: Opelika Police Department
Lee County Coroner Daniel Sexton confirmed the driver of the Tesla, Doctor Malcolm Goodchild, MD, of Fortson, was pronounced dead at 8:49 P.M.
Image: Opelika Police Department
The passenger of the Tesla remains at the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the 4Runner remains in the hospital at this time with serious injuries.
Police say, “after the initial investigation, it appears that the driver of the 4Runner was traveling the wrong way on the exit ramp when they struck the Tesla head on.”
The crash remains under investigation by the Opelika Police Traffic Homicide Investigation Unit. If you have any information on this incident, please contact the Opelika Police Department at (334) 705-5200 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665. Tips can be submitted through our Opelika Police Mobile App. You may wish to remain anonymous.
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