A social media model has been arrested following a deadly crash in downtown Miami, with body camera footage revealing her erratic behavior at the scene.

According to USA TODAY, Maecee Marie Lathers, 24, faces multiple criminal charges, including vehicular homicide and reckless driving, after her Mercedes collided with two other vehicles on August 10, 2024, resulting in two fatalities and two injuries.

The incident occurred around 7 a.m. when Lathers' vehicle struck a Range Rover and a Suzuki. Newly released body camera footage shows the Instagram model, who has over 13,000 followers, in a state of distress during her arrest. Lathers reportedly told police she had consumed a substance known as "pink cocaine" prior to the crash.

Details Of The Tragic Collision And Victims

The collision claimed the lives of Abraham Ismael and Jesus Rubio, who were traveling in the Suzuki at the time of the incident. Ismael, a father to a teenage son, was on his way to work with his fiancée, Juanita Hernandez, and his friend Rubio when the crash occurred.

Emergency responders managed to extricate Ismael from the wreckage, but he later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. Rubio was pronounced dead at the scene. Hernandez sustained injuries, including cuts to her face and arms, while the driver of the Range Rover, a 23-year-old man, suffered minor injuries.

The impact of the loss was evident in Hernandez's statement on a GoFundMe page set up for Ismael. She wrote in Spanish, "It has been weeks of great anguish and the ashes have already been delivered to us."

Arrest And Charges Against Maecee Marie Lathers

Following the crash, bystanders reportedly prevented Lathers from leaving the scene. Upon arrival, law enforcement found her in a state of distress, vomiting and behaving erratically. The body camera footage released by Miami police shows Lathers on the ground, partially unclothed and breathing heavily.

In the video, an officer can be heard saying, "She's on tusi. She said that right now. She's like, 'Oh, I'm from the future.'" This statement aligns with reports that Lathers claimed to have a crystal ball and to be from the future during her arrest.

Lathers now faces 10 criminal charges, including vehicular homicide, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, causing injury, and leaving the scene with death. Initially placed under house arrest after posting bond, she was returned to jail following the addition of two DUI manslaughter charges at a recent court hearing.

Understanding The Substance "Pink Cocaine"

The substance Lathers reportedly consumed before the crash, known as "tusi" or "pink cocaine," has gained attention in recent years. Despite its name, this drug rarely contains actual cocaine. Instead, it is a mixture of various psychoactive substances.

According to a report by New York University professor Joseph J. Palamar, published in the National Center For Biotechnology Information, tusi typically combines drugs such as ketamine, MDMA (ecstasy), methamphetamine, and opioids. The resulting pink powder is known for its potent effects and has been raising concerns among health professionals and law enforcement.

The origins of tusi can be traced back to Colombia, where it reportedly first emerged. It has since made its way into the illegal drug market in the United States, presenting new challenges for drug enforcement and public health officials.

Legal Proceedings And Aftermath Of The Incident

State prosecutors have shared a toxicology report confirming the presence of several drugs in Lathers' system at the time of the crash, though alcohol was not detected. This evidence is likely to play a crucial role in the ongoing legal proceedings against her.

The incident has sparked discussions about the dangers of drug-impaired driving and the responsibilities of social media influencers. With over 13,000 followers on Instagram, Lathers' case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting the potential consequences of substance abuse and reckless behavior.

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

1. Importance of Sobriety: Always avoid substances when driving. Impaired driving drastically increases the risk of fatal accidents.

2. Responsibility on Social Media: Individuals with influence should promote safety and responsibility, not just lifestyle aesthetics.

3. Community Support: In the wake of such tragedies, community support is crucial. Fundraising and emotional support can provide significant aid to those affected.

It is vital to remember that, despite precautions, crime and accidents can still occur, and victims should never be blamed.

Why This Story Matters

This incident shines a light on issues surrounding substance abuse, mental health, and road safety. It underscores individuals' responsibility when behind the wheel and the irreversible harm that can arise from negligence. Furthermore, it exposes the dichotomy between real life and the personas curated on social media platforms, prompting a discussion on the authenticity and influence of social media figures.

Conclusion

The fatal crash in Miami involving Instagram model Maecee Marie Lathers has resulted in two deaths and multiple criminal charges. Lathers allegedly consumed a substance known as "pink cocaine" before the incident, leading to erratic behavior captured on police body cameras. The case has brought attention to the dangers of drug-impaired driving and the emerging threat of new synthetic drugs like tusi. As legal proceedings continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of reckless behavior and substance abuse.