Hilton Head, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Jackson Abraham Macias, a 24-year-old from Ridgeland, has been sentenced to six years in prison following a DUI-related crash that killed his passenger, 22-year-old Haley Hubner. The tragic accident that occurred on Hilton Head Island involved Macias driving at 94 mph in a 45 mph zone. Witnesses noted signs of intoxication. The six-year sentence reflects the severity of his reckless actions, although it is less than the maximum penalty. The case highlights the dire consequences of impaired driving in South Carolina.
Ridgeland, South Carolina – Jackson Abraham Macias, a 24-year-old resident, has been sentenced to six years in prison for a DUI-related crash that resulted in the death of his passenger, 22-year-old Haley Rebecca Hubner. The sentencing took place at the Beaufort County Courthouse on August 13, following Macias’ guilty plea to felony DUI resulting in death and reckless vehicular homicide.
The tragic incident occurred on October 8, 2022, around 1 a.m. near the junction of U.S. 278 on Hilton Head Island. At the time of the crash, Macias was driving a 1996 Honda Civic Hatchback at 94 mph in a 45 mph zone. Witnesses reported that he lost control of the vehicle at the beginning of the highway’s curve. The car spun counter-clockwise before veering onto the shoulder of the highway, and ultimately crashed into trees and shrubbery in the median.
After the accident, two witnesses observed that Macias exhibited signs of intoxication, noting that he smelled of alcohol. Initially, when confronted by law enforcement, Macias claimed not to have been in the car during the incident. The crash resulted in the death of Hubner, a front-seat passenger from Bluffton. Her family later paid tribute to her life in a heartfelt obituary presented in the form of a poem, highlighting her vibrant personality and infectious laughter.
Macias was not new to the law; he had a history of driving offenses encompassing three speeding violations since 2019, along with previous convictions for marijuana possession in 2019 and for driving without a license and registration in 2021. While the six-year sentence may seem lengthy, it falls short of the maximum punishment of 25 years for felony DUI resulting in death permitted under South Carolina law.
Judge Carmen T. Mullen of the Circuit Court presided over the case, delivering the sentence that reflects the serious consequences of Macias’s reckless actions. The decision comes as part of an ongoing effort to send a message regarding the severity of driving under the influence, especially when it leads to tragic outcomes such as the death of innocent passengers.
Understanding DUI Consequences in South Carolina
In South Carolina, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) laws are stringent, particularly when it involves the death of another individual. A felony DUI resulting in death can lead to significant prison time. Law enforcement and judicial systems continue to emphasize the importance of safe driving practices to prevent further tragedies on the road.
This case highlights not only the devastation that impaired driving can cause but also the lasting impact on the families of victims. The heartfelt memories shared by Hubner’s family serve as a reminder of the precious lives lost due to irresponsible behavior behind the wheel.
Case Summary
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Jackson Abraham Macias |
| Sentence | 6 years in prison |
| Victim | Haley Rebecca Hubner |
| Date of Incident | October 8, 2022 |
| Location | U.S. 278, Hilton Head Island |
| Speed at Time of Crash | 94 mph in a 45 mph zone |
| Charges | Felony DUI resulting in death, reckless vehicular homicide |
| Maximum Sentence | 25 years |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the reason for Macias’ imprisonment?
Jackson Abraham Macias was sentenced to six years in prison for causing the death of his passenger, Haley Hubner, while driving under the influence.
What were the circumstances of the crash?
The crash occurred on October 8, 2022, when Macias was driving at 94 mph in a 45 mph zone and lost control of the vehicle, resulting in a fatal accident.
What penalties are there for DUI-related deaths in South Carolina?
The maximum penalty for felony DUI resulting in death in South Carolina is 25 years in prison.
Was Macias known to have previous driving offenses?
Yes, Macias had a history of driving offenses, which included multiple speeding violations and other related legal issues.
How did Haley Hubner’s family commemorate her?
Haley Hubner’s family paid tribute to her life through an obituary that was written as a poem, emphasizing her personal attributes and the impact she made on others.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Highway Accident Claims Life in Beaufort County
West Columbia Man Arrested After Fatal Crash
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Traffic Incident
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island Crash
- Live 5 News: Beaufort County Crash
- ABC News 4: Single Car Crash in Hilton Head
- WTOC: William Hilton Parkway Crash
- Wikipedia: Driving Under the Influence
- Google Search: South Carolina DUI Laws
- Google Scholar: DUI Consequences South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Driving Under the Influence
- Google News: Hilton Head Crash
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
