Teen Driver and Parents Indicted in Drunk Driving Crash That Killed High School Student

A teenager and two parents are now facing felony charges in connection with a crash that resulted in the death of an 18-year-old girl from Georgia.

Eighteen-year-old Hannah Hackemeyer, the driver in the fatal crash, has been charged with three counts of homicide by vehicle and driving under the influence of alcohol. Hannah’s friends’ parents, 50-year-old Sumanth Rao and 49-year-old Anindita Rao, have been charged with involuntary manslaughter for allegedly allowing underage drinking at their home before the crash occurred. Their actions allegedly contributed to the circumstances leading to the accident.

The crash resulted in the death of Sophia Lekiachvili. Prosecutors explained in court that on the night of February 23 into the early morning hours of February 24, Hannah, Sophia, and another teenager, Ananya Rao, were drinking at the Rao residence. It was alleged that the Rao’s home was known as a “party house,” where teenagers frequently consumed alcohol. On the night in question, the teenagers reportedly drank a bottle of wine before leaving in a vehicle.

Hannah was driving a Mazda CX-5 with Sophia in the front passenger seat and Ananya in the back. Reports indicate that an open bottle of wine was found in the car at the time of the crash.

Authorities stated that Hannah was speeding at nearly 100 mph when she lost control of the vehicle, causing it to roll over. While Hannah and Ananya were able to crawl out of the wreckage, Sophia was trapped inside. Emergency responders freed her and transported her to a hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries.

An investigation revealed that Hannah had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.046, which is double the legal limit for individuals under the age of 21.

Prosecutors argued in court on December 4 that the crash was a foreseeable consequence of the Rao’s permitting underage drinking in their home and allowing someone who had been drinking to drive.

Ananya Rao is not facing charges, while Hannah was arrested and released on a $25,500 bond.