CHATTANOOGA — On November 25, 2023, Octavio Devia Paz, his wife Ana Posso, and their toddler son Johnathan Paz were struck by a vehicle while crossing Frazier Avenue in Chattanooga, Tennessee, killing Posso and Johnathan and severely injuring Paz. The family had arrived in the city the day before for a short vacation and was walking to the Tennessee Aquarium after breakfast and a walk across the Walnut Street Bridge.

Prosecutor Sean Boers said Randy Vega, the driver of the vehicle, was intoxicated and engaged in a road rage incident with local doctor Patrick McGinty. According to Boers, Vega pulled slowly onto Frazier Avenue from Woodland Avenue, prompting Dr. McGinty to change lanes to avoid a collision. Boers added that Vega followed McGinty’s vehicle for two blocks and then attempted to cut him off near the crash site, turning his wheels 30 degrees toward McGinty’s car before sliding into the family standing at the crosswalk.

Vega’s dash camera recorded the incident. He was later jailed after receiving medical treatment, while Dr. McGinty, who was not charged, was interviewed by police. Defense attorney Andrea Hayduk argued that McGinty sped up after Vega cut in front of him, caught up to Vega, and caused his car to spin into the pedestrians.

Posso, 41, and Johnathan, 23 months old, died at the scene. Paz, a former Navy ship mechanic, was unconscious for three days and awoke to learn his family had died on impact. He spent a month at Erlanger Hospital, underwent 24 surgeries, and now walks with a cane.

“She was very joyful, a hard worker, and very human.” He added, “On x rays, I look full of metal.”