US driver kills Nigerian student during police chase
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department has arrested a 52-year-old man, Ray Eugene Padgett, in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of a Nigerian student, Oluwalayomi Fadero, in Nashville, United States.
Fadero, 23, a graduate of Fisk University and a medical student, died after her vehicle was struck during a police pursuit involving the suspect.
According to reports, the incident occurred on Friday after Padgett allegedly stole a Ford F-250 truck from a car lot in North Nashville around 9:30 a.m. The vehicle owner reportedly tracked the truck using onboard technology, which led police to its location.
Authorities said Padgett attempted to evade capture after realising he was being followed, reversing into another vehicle before fleeing. Police deployed a helicopter to monitor his movement as ground units trailed him.
The chase ended around 2:30 p.m. near Murfreesboro Pike and Hickory Woods Drive when Padgett drove into oncoming traffic and collided with Fadero’s car, pushing it off the road and into a ditch. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Padgett was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and has been charged with criminal homicide. Police said he has a history of offences, including theft, burglary, and driving under the influence, and was on parole at the time of the incident.
The crash led to the temporary closure of parts of Murfreesboro Road, leaving residents stranded for hours as emergency responders worked at the scene.
Friends and colleagues have since paid tribute to Fadero, describing her as compassionate, kind, and dedicated. A makeshift memorial has been set up at the crash site, while an online fundraiser has been launched to support her funeral arrangements.
Her former professor, Janet Walsh, remembered her as a well-rounded individual who combined academic excellence with a deep commitment to helping others, noting that her legacy would live on through her acts of kindness and service.
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