Hilton Head Island, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Jackson Abraham Macias, 24, has been sentenced to six years in prison for driving under the influence and causing a fatal crash that resulted in the death of his passenger, Haley Hubner, 22. The crash occurred on Hilton Head Island when Macias was driving at 94 mph in a 45 mph zone. Haley did not survive the accident. This sentencing highlights the serious consequences of impaired driving.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Jackson Abraham Macias, a 24-year-old man from Ridgeland, was sentenced to six years in prison for driving under the influence and causing a crash that resulted in the death of his passenger, Haley Rebecca Hubner, aged 22. The sentence was handed down by Circuit Court Judge Carmen T. Mullen on August 13 at the Beaufort County Courthouse.
The accident took place in the early hours of October 8, 2022, at the junction of U.S. 278 on Hilton Head Island. Macias was driving a 1996 Honda Civic Hatchback when he attempted to navigate the Cross Island Parkway at a speed of 94 mph in a 45 mph zone. As he approached a curve in the highway, he lost control of the vehicle, which spun counter-clockwise and ended up veering off the roadway before colliding with trees and shrubbery in the median.
Witnesses at the scene, who assisted the vehicle’s occupants, noted that Macias exhibited the smell of alcohol. Initially, he denied being inside the car during the crash. Unfortunately, Haley Hubner, who was seated in the front passenger seat, did not survive the impact and succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
In the wake of this tragic event, Hubner’s family released an obituary in the form of a poem that highlighted her strong personality and infectious laughter, providing a deeply personal tribute to her life.
Macias entered a guilty plea for felony DUI resulting in death and reckless vehicular homicide. His criminal history includes three speeding violations since 2019, and prior convictions for marijuana possession in 2019, as well as for driving without a license and registration in 2021 in Jasper County.
The sentence issued to Macias is notable, representing roughly one-fourth of the maximum potential sentence of 25 years for felony DUI under South Carolina law. This case serves as a poignant reminder of the dangerous consequences of impaired driving and the irrevocable impact such actions can have on families and communities.
Background Information
Driving under the influence is a serious offense that has severe legal repercussions, especially when it results in injury or death. In South Carolina, the law categorizes DUI resulting in death as a felony, leading to significant prison time. Factors like speed and prior driving record are also taken into account during sentencing.
Impact of DUI Incidents
While the legal system determines consequences for offenders, the emotional toll on victims’ families is profound. The loss of a loved one in a DUI-related crash not only alters family dynamics but also leaves lasting scars that can take years to heal. Each case underscores the importance of responsible drinking and driving practices in an effort to prevent future tragedies.
Statistics on DUI Crashes
According to recent statistics, DUI incidents remain a leading cause of fatal traffic accidents, underscoring the urgent need for community awareness and preventive measures.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Jackson Abraham Macias, 24 |
| Victim | Haley Rebecca Hubner, 22 |
| Incident Date | October 8, 2022 |
| Location | U.S. 278, Hilton Head Island |
| Speed at Crash | 94 mph in a 45 mph zone |
| Charges | Felony DUI resulting in death, Reckless vehicular homicide |
| Sentencing Date | August 13 |
| Sentence Length | 6 years |
FAQ Section
What were the charges against Jackson Abraham Macias?
Jackson Abraham Macias faced charges of felony DUI resulting in death and reckless vehicular homicide.
How long was Macias sentenced to prison?
Macias was sentenced to six years in prison.
What caused the crash that killed Haley Hubner?
The crash was caused by Macias driving under the influence at a high speed.
What was Macias’s driving history prior to the incident?
Prior to the incident, Macias had three speeding violations since 2019 and previous convictions for marijuana possession and driving without a license.
When did the incident occur?
The incident occurred on October 8, 2022, around 1 a.m.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Collision Claims Life on Bluffton Parkway
Bluffton Man Arrested Again on Multiple Felony Charges
Bluffton Man Sentenced to 20 Years for DUI Crash Resulting in Infant’s Death
Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Driving Under the Influence
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Drunk Driving Statistics
- WSAV
- Google Scholar: Driving Under the Influence Laws
- AOL News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Car Accidents
- Bluffton Today
- Google News: South Carolina DUIs
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
