The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) has arrested a man in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a 23-year-old Nigerian graduate, Oluwalayomi Fadero, in the United States.
According to local media reports by WSMV4, the suspect, identified as Ray Eugene Padgett, allegedly stole a vehicle before fleeing, setting off a chain of events that ended in tragedy.
Police said the owner of the stolen truck tracked it to a location, prompting the suspect to attempt an escape. In the process, Padgett reportedly reversed the vehicle and rammed into another car behind him after realising he was being followed.
Authorities deployed a police helicopter to monitor the suspect’s movement as he fled, with officers maintaining surveillance until ground units could intervene.
“The intention at that point is to keep an eye on the truck until it finally stops, have ground units move in, and take the man into custody,” MNPD Public Information Officer, Don Aaron, said.
The situation escalated when the suspect allegedly rammed into an unmarked police vehicle, triggering a high-speed chase that lasted about five minutes. The pursuit reached speeds of up to 80 miles per hour along Murfreesboro Pike toward the county line.
The chase ended near the intersection of Murfreesboro Pike and Hickory Woods Drive when the suspect drove into oncoming traffic.
Police said Padgett crashed into a white sedan driven by Fadero, pushing the vehicle approximately 100 yards into a ditch. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect was subsequently arrested and transported to a hospital. Authorities confirmed he has been charged with criminal homicide.
Officials further disclosed that Padgett was on parole at the time of the incident.
“We believe that he was on parole when he stole the truck and set off the chain of events that claimed the life of an innocent Nashville woman who was returning home,” police said.
Meanwhile, members of the Fisk University community, where Fadero graduated, have expressed grief over her death.
“It’s heartbreaking to know she was near her home and close to where she lived,” a Fisk alumna, Jessica Williams, said.
Fadero’s former professor, Janet Walsh, described her as kind and compassionate, highlighting her dedication to volunteer work.
“These small acts of kindness and consideration truly make the world a better place. I’m honoured to have known her and witnessed her sense of global citizenship,” Walsh said.
A makeshift memorial has been erected at the crash site along Murfreesboro Pike, while a GoFundMe campaign launched to support her family with burial expenses had raised over $15,000 as of the time of filing this report.
