Firefighter accused in DUI crash that killed baby hours after mom’s baby shower

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — An arrest warrant has been issued for a lieutenant with Atlanta Fire and Rescue who is accused of drinking and driving before causing a crash that investigators say resulted in the death of an unborn baby hours.

The crash happened just hours after the baby’s parents’ baby shower.

Channel 2′s Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell talked to Eunice and Alex Gyasi, who were also seriously injured in the crash on Humphries Road Dec. 20, 2023.

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Investigators said Zachary Williams admitted that he had been drinking when he crashed his vehicle in Austell. Police say they found alcohol in Williams’ car at the time of the crash. Williams is now facing charges that include vehicular homicide and DUI.

The couple had been at a surprise baby shower at their church when Williams crashed into their car. Eucnice Gyasi was nine months pregnant at the time with their daughter, Evangela.

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On that day, the couple said they were ecstatic to be celebrating a pregnancy that they had tried for for eight long years.

“I had so many miscarriages, I had to see a fertility doctor,” Eunice Gyasi said. “Throughout the pregnancy, I was really happy. I would always speak to her, read the Bible to her.”

“This baby was sent to us directly by God,” Alex Gyasi said.

Eunice Gyasi was asleep when Williams plowed into their car, Investigators determined he was going more than 30 miles above the speed limit.

Both the Gyasi’s were taken to the hospital, where doctors were able to deliver the baby via emergency C-section. Baby Evangela only survived for 28 minutes.

“I cried and cried,” Eunice Gyasi said. “The pacifier, the clothing...”

“You have all these things for the baby. This is a daily reminder to you,” Newell said.

Williams has been on leave since the crash.

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“It’s very difficult, but we have forgiven,” Alex Gyasi said. “But when it comes to justice, he has to face the law.”

Austell Police have now called in experts from Cobb PD’s STEP unit because they have special tools to investigate complex cases like this.

Newell asked the fire department if Williams is on paid leave and if he will still keep his job now that he is facing charges that include vehicular homicide.

A representative told Newell they can’t comment on active investigations.

1 year after her daughter's murder, a southwest Atlanta mother’s fight for justice continues

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