DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — An 18-year-old woman from DeKalb County faces charges of homicide by vehicle, driving under the influence, reckless driving, and failure to maintain lane following a fatal crash earlier this year. The charges stem from an incident that claimed the life of her friend, Sophie Lekiachvili, 18, in a tragic early morning collision on Oak Grove Road on Feb. 24.
Police recently obtained warrants for Hannah Hackemeyer in connection with the crash, stating that she lost control of her SUV on a curve, leading to a collision with a tree. The vehicle subsequently overturned, resulting in the death of Lekiachvili, who was in the front passenger seat and trapped in the wreckage. Another teen was also injured in the accident.
Speed was determined to be a contributing factor in the crash, according to a police report. Hackemeyer was arrested at the scene on charges of driving under the influence but was later released. The current status of her custody remains unclear.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, friends of Lekiachvili described her as one of the kindest individuals they had ever known, with plans to pursue studies at Auburn University in the upcoming fall semester. The loss of such a promising young life has left a community in mourning and serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving.
As the legal process unfolds and the details of the crash continue to emerge, the community grapples with the profound impact of the incident, highlighting the importance of responsible and attentive driving to prevent further tragedies on the road. Hackemeyer’s upcoming legal proceedings will serve as a pivotal moment in seeking justice for the lives affected by this heartbreaking event.