Beloved Georgia doctor killed in wrong-way Interstate 85 crash in Opelika

OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL) – A devastating head-on collision caused by a wrong-way driver on Interstate 85 near Exit 62 has killed prominent Georgia physician Dr. Malcolm Goodchild.

On Saturday, September 7 , Opelika Police responded to the scene at approximately 7:17 p.m. and found two vehicles involved: a Tesla and a Toyota 4Runner. The Tesla had caught fire, but officers temporarily extinguished the flames to assist the occupants until the Opelika Fire Department arrived. Dr. Goodchild, 50, was airlifted to Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital in Columbus, GA, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The crash occurred when the driver of the Toyota 4Runner, suspected of traveling the wrong way on the exit ramp, collided head-on with Dr. Goodchild’s Tesla. The Tesla’s passenger was transported to the hospital by ambulance with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the 4Runner remains hospitalized with severe injuries.

The Opelika Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Investigation Unit is leading the investigation. Authorities encourage anyone with information to contact the Opelika Police Department at (334) 705-5200 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Opelika Police Mobile App.

Dr. Goodchild was a highly respected general and trauma surgeon, certified by the American Board of Surgery, and had privileges at Jack Hughston Memorial, Piedmont Columbus, and St. Francis hospitals. Before opening his practice, he worked at Piedmont Columbus Regional, which shared a video with WRBL titled “Meet Dr. Malcolm Goodchild .” The video highlights his philosophy of treating patients like family members and providing compassionate care to help them overcome their medical challenges.

A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Goodchild graduated with highest honors from Ross University School of Medicine in 2006. He completed his surgical residency at The Brooklyn Hospital Center and further specialized with a Trauma/Critical Care fellowship at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Goodchild was an associate professor of surgery at Morehouse School of Medicine, where he mentored future doctors.

Since moving to Columbus, GA, in 2016, he became widely admired for his compassionate care and exceptional expertise. Born to parents who worked in healthcare after immigrating to the U.S., Dr. Goodchild’s contributions to the medical field and the community will be fondly remembered by his colleagues, patients, and students.

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