US police arrest suspect in Fadero hit-and-run that killed a Nigerian graduate in Nashville after a high-speed chase

The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department has arrested Ray Eugene Padgett in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of 23-year-old Nigerian graduate Oluwalayomi Fadero.

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Authorities said the incident occurred on Friday after Padgett allegedly stole a vehicle and attempted to evade capture, setting off a chain of events that ended in tragedy.

According to local broadcaster WSMV4, the owner of the stolen truck tracked the vehicle to a location. Upon realising he was being followed, Padgett reportedly reversed and rammed into another vehicle before fleeing.

Police deployed a helicopter to monitor the suspect’s movements, maintaining aerial surveillance as ground units coordinated a response.

The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department’s Public Information Officer, Don Aaron, said the strategy was to track the vehicle until it stopped and then move in for an arrest.

The situation escalated into a high-speed chase after the suspect rammed into an unmarked police vehicle while attempting to escape.

The pursuit, which lasted about five minutes, reportedly reached speeds of up to 80 miles per hour along Murfreesboro Pike.

The chase ended around 2:30 p.m. when Padgett drove into oncoming traffic near the intersection of Murfreesboro Pike and Hickory Woods Drive, colliding with a white sedan driven by Fadero.

Police said the impact pushed the vehicle approximately 100 yards into a ditch.

Fadero was pronounced dead at the scene, bringing a devastating end to the incident.

Padgett was subsequently taken into custody and transported to hospital. Authorities confirmed that he has been charged with criminal homicide and 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.

The US police arrest suspect in Fadero hit-and-run case has drawn widespread attention, particularly within academic and diaspora communities.

At Fisk University, where Fadero studied, alumni and faculty have expressed deep sorrow over her death. A former student,

Jessica Williams, described the loss as heartbreaking, noting that Fadero was close to home when the incident occurred.

Her former professor, Janet Walsh, remembered her as kind and compassionate, highlighting her dedication to volunteer work and her commitment to making a positive impact.

A secondary moment of solidarity has emerged at the crash site, where a makeshift memorial has been set up along Murfreesboro Pike, drawing tributes from members of the community.

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Meanwhile, a fundraising campaign launched to support her family with burial expenses has raised more than $15,000, reflecting the outpouring of grief and support following the tragic loss.