After two vehicles collided head-on in Opelika, Alabama, the US, a 50-year-old general trauma surgeon who was born in Guyana passed away early on the night of September 7, 2024.
A multiple-car collision on Interstate 85 near the Exit 62 Northbound ramp in Opelika was reported to the Opelika Police Department at around 7:17 p.m., according to their report.
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A Tesla and a Toyota 4Runner that looked to have collided head-on were discovered by investigating authorities when they arrived at the scene.
“The Tesla was on fire and the responding officer was able to extinguish the flames long enough to assist the occupants until Opelika Fire arrived on the scene,” the report stated.
The report states that the driver of the Tesla was flown via Life Flight to Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital in Columbus, Georgia, while the driver of the 4Runner and the passenger were taken there by ambulance. At the hospital, the driver of the Tesla, later identified as Dr. Goodchild, passed away from his wounds.
According to the article, the driver of the 4Runner suffers significant injuries, while the passenger in the Tesla is still hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
According to the police, their investigations have thus far shown that the 4Runner’s driver was probably driving the wrong way on the departure ramp when it collided head-on with the Tesla. Investigations into the crash are still ongoing.
Dr. Goodchild was a general and trauma surgeon who had certification from the American Board of Surgery, according to the CMG Surgical Specialists LLC website.
He had a broad range of surgical experience and was a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. “Dr. Goodchild graduated from the Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica, West Indies in 2006 with highest honors. He then completed his surgical residency at the Brooklyn Hospital Center. Dr Goodchild went on to complete a Trauma/Critical Care fellowship at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, one of the busiest Level 1 Trauma centers in the US,” the webpage stated.
In addition, he taught surgery as an associate professor at the Morehouse School of Medicine, where he dedicated his career to training young medical students to become the skilled and capable doctors of the future.
His parents immigrated to the US as teachers from Guyana.
On his Facebook page, the doctor received a ton of tributes.
“I have cried a number of tears today for my personal loss. He was such a funny, loving, caring man. The world was a better place for him having been in it. You are with our Lord now and though we will miss you I am glad to know you have that peace now. We left behind can only look forward to seeing you again when it is our own time. Goodbye my friend!!” an account holder expressed.
“RIP my friend Malcolm Goodchild, Brother from another mother, colleague & mentor. My older brother as you called yourself, although you were younger. I’m in total disbelief. Gone too soon. Sending prayers out to your family, especially your wife and kids. I cannot imagine the pain and sorrow… this is a very sad day…” another shared.
Another friend expresses their love stating, “May you rest in peace knowing that you have done an amazing job in this world and the presence in it solidified and forever remembered. I was a new nurse manager at Brooklyn Hospital in 2012 and you were proof that surgeons genuinely loved what they do and took amazing care of their patients. Praying for the strength and courage of your family. SIP.”
