Michael Buarque de Macedo, 52, Alessandra M. Buarque de Macedo, 53, and Thomas Michael Buarque de Macedo, 17, killed, and Helena Buarque de Macedo and Ogulkan Atakoglu, 20, injured in two-car crash on River Road in Bethesda, Maryland

Modified Date: 
Fri, 06/07/2019 - 3:15pm
Accident Date: 
Saturday, February 27, 2016

River Road Crash Kills Three, Leaves Fourth in Life-Threatening Condition

Montgomery County police said four members of the Buarque de Macedo family, who lived in the 7000 block of Loch Lomond Drive, were in a car turning left from eastbound River Road to Pyle Road when the car collided with another vehicle traveling on westbound River Road at about 6:56 p.m.

Police: 3 family members killed, 1 seriously injured in Bethesda crash

Police said Helena Buarque De Macedo, a fourth family member, was taken to an area trauma center with life-threatening injuries. Officials could not confirm her age, but said she is believed to be a teenager.

According to police, 20 year-old Ogulkan Atakoglu was driving a blue BMW when it collided with Michael Buarque De Macedo's Chevorlet Volt. Atakoglu was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Officials to study Montgomery Co. intersection where family died in crash

Neighbors say the SHA has spent years ignoring their pleas to bolster safety at the intersection where eastbound River Road traffic — particularly Whitman students — turn left crossing westbound River Road onto Pyle Road.

Deadly crash intensifies push for changes at confusing Bethesda intersection

They’ve agreed to do a fourth study, but residents and some elected officials say it’s time to make an exception and put in a light even if the numbers don’t add up.

Teen Crash Victim Remembered at Maryland Graduation Ceremony

Seventeen-year-old Thomas De Macedo was supposed to walk across the stage and receive his diploma from Walt Whitman High School, but his life was cut short in a crash on River Road near Pyle Road on Feb. 27.

BMW driver, who was going 115 mph, to plead guilty in deadly Bethesda crash

He faces up to a total of 30 years in prison under Maryland statute. Maryland sentencing guidelines, which are not mandatory, call for a penalty of three months to 12 years. Prosecutors did not concede anything in the plea deal and are free to seek the maximum penalty, according to court records.

LOCAL · 1 hour ago Site of triple fatal accident has dangerous history

The intersection of Braeburn Parkway and River Road in Bethesda, Md., where driver Ogulcan Atakoglu slammed his BMW into a vehicle and killed three family members on Feb.27 has been scrutinized for safety in the past.

Driver Sentenced to 12 Years in Crash That Killed 3 in Md.

However, Judge Mary Beth McCormick referenced Atakoglu's driving record, including numerous arrests for speeding, when she sentenced him to 30 years in prison, with all but 12 years suspended.

Type: Car Accident
People Involved: 
Michael Buarque de Macedo
Alessandra M. Buarque de Macedo
Thomas Michael Buarque de Macedo
Helena Buarque de Macedo
Ogulkan Atakoglu
Ogulcan Atakoglu
Roadway: 
River Road

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