A 23-year-old Nigerian graduate in the United States, Oluwalayomi “Layo” Fadero, has lost her life after a fleeing motorist driving against traffic collided with her vehicle in Nashville, Tennessee.
The incident, which occurred last Friday, was reported by local media, WSMV Nashville, on Tuesday. The suspect, identified as Ray Eugene Padgett, was said to have driven into oncoming traffic while attempting to escape from law enforcement officers.
Fadero, who recently graduated from Fisk University, was reportedly heading towards her neighbourhood along Murfreesboro Pike when the suspect’s vehicle rammed into the driver’s side of her car.
The impact of the collision was said to have killed her instantly, with her vehicle pushed a considerable distance off the road into a ditch.
Authorities disclosed that the incident was preceded by a series of events earlier in the day, beginning with the theft of a Ford F-250 truck from a car dealership in North Nashville.
During the escape, the suspect allegedly rammed into the vehicle owner’s car and later crashed into an unmarked police SUV, prompting a high-speed chase that lasted about five minutes.
Police authorities said the pursuit reached speeds of nearly 80 miles per hour before the suspect drove into opposing traffic and struck the victim’s car at about 2:30 p.m.
Emergency responders who arrived at the scene confirmed Fadero dead, describing her as an innocent motorist with no connection to the incident.
The suspect, 52, was subsequently arrested and taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries not considered life-threatening before being placed in police custody.
Law enforcement officials said he is facing several felony charges, including criminally negligent homicide, vehicular homicide, attempted criminal homicide, and reckless endangerment.
Authorities further revealed that the suspect was on parole at the time of the crash and had a criminal record spanning at least 20 prior convictions across five counties in Tennessee.
Fadero was said to have recently completed her studies and had begun an accelerated nursing programme at another institution prior to her death.
Reacting to the incident, her former professor, Janet Walsh, described her as “one of the most compassionate and kindest individuals anyone could meet.”
An alumna, Jessica Williams, also expressed grief, describing the incident as heartbreaking and noting that the crash occurred close to the deceased’s residence.
A temporary memorial has since been set up at the crash site, while counselling services have been provided for students and members of the university community affected by the tragedy.
Meanwhile, a fundraising campaign launched in her honour has generated over $13,000 to support funeral arrangements as family, friends, and well-wishers continue to mourn her untimely death.
Police authorities said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing.
