By Nworisa Michael
Authorities in the United States have taken a suspect into custody following a fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a Nigerian graduate, Oluwalayomi Fadero.
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department confirmed the arrest of Ray Eugene Padgett in connection with the incident.
According to reports by local media outlet WSMV4, the tragic event occurred on Friday after the suspect allegedly stole a vehicle and attempted to evade capture. The situation escalated when the owner of the stolen truck tracked its location, prompting the suspect to react aggressively upon realizing he was being followed.
The suspect reportedly reversed into another vehicle before attempting to flee the scene. Law enforcement authorities then deployed aerial surveillance to monitor the situation. However, the situation further intensified when the suspect allegedly rammed into an unmarked police vehicle, triggering a high-speed chase.
A spokesperson for the police, Don Aaron, explained that officers initially intended to monitor the vehicle until it stopped, allowing ground units to move in and apprehend the suspect safely.
The pursuit lasted approximately five minutes, with the suspect reportedly driving at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour along Murfreesboro Pike toward the county line.
The chase came to a tragic end around 2:30 p.m. when the suspect drove into oncoming traffic near the intersection of Murfreesboro Pike and Hickory Woods Drive.
Police said the suspect crashed into a white sedan driven by Fadero, forcing the vehicle nearly 100 yards into a ditch. The 23-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the crash, Padgett was arrested and taken to a hospital. He has since been charged with criminal homicide.
Investigators also revealed that the suspect was on parole at the time of the incident, noting that the chain of events began when he allegedly stole the truck.
The incident has sparked grief within the community, particularly among members of Fisk University, where Fadero studied.
A fellow alumna, Jessica Williams, expressed sorrow over the tragedy, noting that the victim was close to her residence at the time of the incident.
Fadero’s former lecturer, Janet Walsh, described her as a compassionate and selfless individual, highlighting her dedication to helping others and her strong sense of global citizenship.
In honour of her memory, a temporary memorial has been set up at the crash site along Murfreesboro Pike.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign launched to support her family with funeral expenses had raised over $15,000 as of the time of filing this report.
