Police say beloved Georgia surgeon died in DUI crash in Alabama: US man held illegally without bail

An Auburn man who authorities say is in the U.S. illegally has been denied bail on charges that he killed a Columbus doctor in a hit-and-run crash in September.

Armin Rubido Gomez Lopez, 41, is charged with manslaughter – a felony – in the Sept. 7 crash on Interstate 85 in Lee County, according to Opelika police. Dr. Malcolm Goodchild, a prominent Columbus surgeon, was killed.

Gomez was arrested Monday after being released from a Georgia hospital where he was treated for injuries suffered in the crash.

Documents charging Gomez show that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. Police said they had an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer.

He has a previous DUI conviction in Lee County from 2022.

The accident occurred this Saturday at exit 62 northbound.

Authorities say Gomez was traveling southbound on the ramp when he struck Goodchild’s Tesla head-on.

Goodchild, 50, was airlifted to Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital but did not survive. His wife suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Goodchild left behind three children.

“Malcolm, a talented and dedicated surgeon, recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of his private practice, a testament to his commitment and excellence in his field,” his obituary read. “His professional achievements were a source of great pride to his family and a reflection of his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others.”

“Malcolm’s life was marked by love for his family, passion for his career and dedication to those around him,” the obituary reads. “His sudden and untimely passing leaves a deep void in the lives of all who knew him.”

Lee County District Judge Russell Bush denied Gomez bail, noting his previous conviction, the seriousness of the crime and Gomez’s status as being in the country illegally.