Authorities in Nashville, Tennessee, have taken Ray Eugene Padgett into custody over the fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of 23-year-old Nigerian graduate, Oluwalayomi Fadero. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the community, occurred on a busy afternoon, leaving investigators piecing together the events that led to the tragic crash.
According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, the ordeal began when Padgett allegedly stole a vehicle and attempted to evade capture by the owner, who had tracked the stolen truck’s location. The situation escalated when Padgett, realizing he was being followed, allegedly rammed into another vehicle before speeding off. Police deployed aerial surveillance to monitor the truck’s movement, but Padgett reportedly crashed into an unmarked police car, triggering a high-speed chase.
“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,” police spokesperson Don Aaron said. The pursuit lasted several minutes, with speeds reaching up to 80 miles per hour along Murfreesboro Pike.
Tragically, the chase ended around 2:30 p.m. when Padgett drove into oncoming traffic near Hickory Woods Drive, colliding with Fadero’s car. The impact forced her vehicle nearly 100 yards off the road into a ditch. Fadero, a promising young graduate, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Padgett was arrested and taken to a hospital. He is expected to face charges including criminal homicide. Investigators revealed that Padgett was on parole at the time of the incident, adding to the gravity of the situation.
“We believe he was on parole when he stole the truck and set off the chain of events that led to the death of an innocent woman returning home,” police said. The community is still reeling from the loss of Fadero, whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence.