New surveillance video footage shows social media influencer Maecee Marie Lathers stumbling away from a horrific crash in downtown Miami after crashing her car into two other vehicles. The tragic crash resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to a third.
According to NBC Miami, the 24-year-old Lathers claimed to be on party drugs at the time. She was seen walking away from the scene with her hoodie up, covering her face as a group of witnesses ran toward the wreck to help.
Abraham Molina and Jesus Rubio died in the crash, while Molina’s girlfriend, Juanita Hernandez, suffered injuries.
In response, prosecutors charged the 24-year-old with two new DUI manslaughter charges for allegedly driving drugged and causing the fatal crash. Surveillance footage from the area shows Lathers walking away from the crash scene before turning around and joining a group of people as they headed in that direction.
She was arrested at the scene of the accident on Aug. 10, 2024. Lathers is facing ten felony charges, including vehicular homicide, reckless driving, and DUI manslaughter.
Influencer Maecee Marie Lathers Says She Took Designer Drug
NBC Miami reported that bystanders confronted the social media model for trying to leave the scene. Previously released police bodycam footage showed a topless Lathers face down on the ground while screaming as first responders arrived.
The new surveillance footage makes it unclear how Maecee Marie Lathers went from fleeing the scene to being undressed and screaming at police.
Arrest records said she was traveling at 57 mph five seconds before the crash with the accelerator at 100%. The car further accelerated to 78 mph the moment it crashed into the other vehicle, NBC reported.
Lathers told police that she was on a new designer drug called “tuci” that comes in a pink powder form. The party drug is popularly known as “pink cocaine” and contains a mélange of psychoactive substances, including ketamine.
Police said Lathers was driving with a suspended license when she sped through a spotlight. The Instagram influencer’s license had been suspended since January.
Maecee Marie Lathers will be held in jail ahead of a trial after a Miami judge refused to grant a bond.
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
Driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) is a dangerous and increasingly common cause of accidents, injuries, and fatalities on the road. Drugs, whether they are illegal substances, prescription medications, or over-the-counter drugs, can significantly impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Unlike alcohol, which has a clear legal threshold (blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% in most places), the impact of drugs on driving is more complex and varies depending on the substance, dose, and the individual.
Drugs affect drivers in several ways. Some can cause drowsiness or dizziness, while others may impair motor skills, slow reaction times, and reduce the ability to make quick, clear decisions.
Stimulants, such as methamphetamines or cocaine, can lead to aggressive or reckless driving, while depressants, like opioids or sedatives, can impact a driver’s coordination and slow their response times.
Marijuana, one of the most commonly detected drugs in drivers, impairs judgment, depth perception, and motor coordination, which are essential for safe driving.
The danger is compounded when drugs are mixed with alcohol or other substances, intensifying impairment and increasing the risk of accidents.
Driving under the influence of drugs can lead to severe legal consequences, including license suspension, fines, and incarceration, especially if an injury or fatal accident occurs as a result of the impairment.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident: Drivers’ Responsibilities
When involved in a vehicle accident, a driver’s legal and ethical responsibilities include remaining at the scene until certain duties are fulfilled. Leaving the scene, commonly referred to as a “hit-and-run,” is a serious offense in most jurisdictions and can result in severe penalties, including fines, jail time, and the suspension of driving privileges.
Here are the key responsibilities a driver must fulfill after an accident:
- Stop immediately. The driver must stop at or near the scene of the accident, ensuring they do not obstruct traffic unnecessarily. Fleeing the scene can escalate legal consequences and turn a minor accident into a serious criminal matter.
- Exchange information. Drivers are required to exchange relevant information with the other party or parties involved in the accident. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, insurance details, and vehicle registration information.
- Render aid to victims. If there are injuries, the driver must offer reasonable assistance, which may involve calling emergency services or providing first aid if necessary. Failing to help injured parties can lead to additional legal consequences.
- Report the accident. In many cases, especially those involving injury, death, or significant property damage, drivers must report the accident to law enforcement. Even if the accident is minor, some jurisdictions require immediate reporting.
- Notify authorities. If the driver strikes an unattended vehicle or property, they are still required to make an effort to locate the owner or leave a note with their contact and insurance information.
Wrongful Death: If You Have Lost a Loved One in an Auto Accident
A wrongful death resulting from a car accident occurs when someone is killed due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct.
In such cases, the family or estate of the deceased can file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for their loss. These claims are civil actions separate from any criminal charges the responsible party may face.
Common causes of wrongful death in car accidents include:
- Drunk or impaired driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are a leading cause of fatal accidents.
- Reckless or aggressive driving: Speeding, tailgating, or disregarding traffic laws can lead to deadly collisions.
- Distracted driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or other distractions significantly increase the risk of fatal accidents.
- Vehicle defects: In some cases, a defective vehicle part (such as brakes and tires) may cause an accident, making the manufacturer liable.
A wrongful death claim seeks to provide compensation to the family for a number of expenses and damages, including funeral and burial costs, medical expenses (received by the deceased before passing away), loss of financial support, and loss of love, care, and companionship.
To succeed in a wrongful death claim, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s actions were the direct cause of the accident and the resulting death. An experienced wrongful death attorney is crucial to help navigate these complex legal issues and ensure fair compensation for the surviving family members.
Sources: https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/new-video-shows-social-media-model-walking-away-from-miami-crash-that-killed-2/3419948/
https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/social-media-model-dui-manslaughter-deadly-miami-crash/3413889/
