Accident Overview

A fatal pedestrian accident occurred in downtown Atlanta in the early morning hours of Sunday at approximately 3:00 a.m. near the intersection of Auburn Avenue NE and Courtland Ave NE. Atlanta Police Department officers responding to the scene discovered a 50-year-old female pedestrian who had been struck by a vehicle. Despite emergency response efforts, the woman was pronounced deceased at the scene. The vehicle involved, a Jeep Wrangler traveling southbound on Courtland Ave NE, struck the pedestrian as she crossed the roadway near the designated crosswalk. The driver, 28-year-old Marie Bahindwa, remained on scene following the collision. Following the investigation, Ms. Bahindwa was charged with Homicide by Vehicle, Driving Under the Influence, Reckless Driving, and Open Container Violation. The Atlanta Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

Location and Infrastructure

The accident occurred at the intersection of Auburn Avenue NE and Courtland Ave NE in downtown Atlanta, Georgia — a corridor that connects several significant cultural and civic landmarks. Auburn Avenue, historically known as "Sweet Auburn," is a heavily trafficked road running through the heart of Atlanta's historic district, in close proximity to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and numerous commercial establishments. Courtland Ave NE is a multi-lane southbound arterial roadway that serves both commuter and late-night traffic, connecting central downtown Atlanta to surrounding neighborhoods. The intersection is situated near Georgia State University campus buildings and several hotel and entertainment venues, contributing to elevated pedestrian and vehicle activity, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours on weekends. A marked crosswalk was present at the location where the incident took place.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Georgia law, surviving family members of a pedestrian killed due to another party's negligence or criminal conduct may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim under O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2. Criminal charges filed — including Homicide by Vehicle (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-393) and Driving Under the Influence (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391) — are separate from any civil legal remedies available to the victim's estate or family. Compensation in civil proceedings may include medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost future income, and loss of companionship. Georgia's statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of death. Insurance considerations may involve the at-fault driver's auto liability policy as a primary source of recovery. Affected family members are encouraged to consult with a licensed Georgia attorney to fully understand their legal rights and options.

Related Resources

Local Emergency Services

• Atlanta Police Department: (404) 614-6544
• Grady Memorial Hospital Trauma Center (nearest major trauma facility): (404) 616-1000

Traffic Safety Resources

• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT): www.dot.ga.gov
• Atlanta Regional Commission Transportation Planning: www.atlantaregional.org

Support Services for Accident Victims and Families

• Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL): 1-800-715-4225
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Georgia Victim Services: 1-877-623-3435
• Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program: www.gcvc.georgia.gov

Georgia Traffic Laws and Regulations

• Georgia Code Title 40 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic): law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-40
• Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety: www.gohs.georgia.gov