Fatal Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crash Takes Life of Aaron Raines, 38, on Downtown Connector Near University Avenue in Atlanta, Georgia

A man was struck and killed by a vehicle early Saturday morning on the Downtown Connector in Atlanta, Georgia, and the driver did not remain at the scene, according to the Atlanta Police Department (APD). Officers were called at approximately 4:55 a.m. to a report of a pedestrian hit by a vehicle on the southbound Downtown Connector near University Avenue. Medical personnel pronounced the man dead at the scene, and he has not been publicly identified. Investigators say he walked onto the interstate from the Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard SW ramp before he was struck. The driver then left the scene, making this a fatal hit-and-run crash. APD's Accident Investigations Unit responded to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision. Police have not released a description of the suspect or the vehicle involved, and no arrests have been reported. The investigation remains active. Anyone who was traveling the southbound Downtown Connector near University Avenue in the early morning hours, or who has information about the crash, is encouraged to contact APD. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the man who died.

Location and Infrastructure

The Downtown Connector is the stretch of Interstate 75 and Interstate 85 that runs together through the heart of Atlanta. It is one of the busiest and most heavily traveled freight and commuter corridors in the Southeast. The crash occurred on the southbound side near the University Avenue interchange, south of the city's central business district and near neighborhoods such as Summerhill and Pittsburgh. Police say the pedestrian entered the roadway from the Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard SW ramp. Interstates are limited-access highways designed for high-speed vehicle travel, with no sidewalks or pedestrian crossings, and vehicles often travel at highway speeds even in the overnight hours. News reports did not describe lighting, weather, or roadway conditions at the time of the crash, and investigators have not announced any contributing factors beyond those noted above.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Georgia law requires a driver involved in a crash that injures or kills a person to stop, remain at the scene, and render reasonable assistance (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-270). Leaving the scene of a crash involving death can result in felony charges. Civil claims may arise separately from any criminal case. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33), meaning compensation may be reduced or barred depending on each party's assigned share of fault. When the driver is unidentified, uninsured motorist coverage on a policy may be a relevant insurance consideration (O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11). Georgia generally sets a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33), though exceptions may apply. Depending on the circumstances, compensation in wrongful death matters may include funeral and burial expenses, medical costs, lost income, and the value of the life of the person who died. Individuals with questions about their specific circumstances should consult a licensed Georgia attorney.

Related Resources

Emergency Services and Law Enforcement

• Emergency: Call 911
• Atlanta Police Department: https://www.atlantapd.org
• Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta (anonymous tips): https://www.crimestoppersatlanta.org or 404-577-TIPS (8477)
• Atlanta Fire Rescue Department: https://www.atlantaga.gov

Traffic Safety Resources

• Georgia Department of Transportation: https://www.dot.ga.gov
• Georgia 511 (live traffic and road conditions): https://511ga.org
• Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety: https://www.gahighwaysafety.org
• Georgia Department of Driver Services: https://dds.georgia.gov

Support Services for Accident Victims and Families

• Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, Crime Victims Compensation Program: https://cjcc.georgia.gov
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988): https://988lifeline.org
• Grady Health System: https://www.gradyhealth.org

Georgia Traffic Laws and Regulations

• Official Code of Georgia Annotated, Title 40 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic): https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-40/
• Georgia Statute of Limitations, O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33: https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-9/chapter-3/article-2/section-9-3-33/