RismadarVoice Reporters, May 19, 2026
A 23-year-old Nigerian graduate in the United States, Oluwalayomi “Layo” Fadero, has died after a man allegedly fleeing from police drove into oncoming traffic and crashed into her vehicle in Nashville, Tennessee.
According to local media reports, the tragic incident occurred on Friday along Murfreesboro Pike when a suspect identified as Ray Eugene Padgett allegedly entered opposing traffic lanes while attempting to evade law enforcement officers.
Fadero, who recently graduated from Fisk University, was reportedly driving toward her neighbourhood when Padgett’s vehicle slammed into the driver’s side of her car, killing her instantly.
Metro Nashville Police said the fatal crash stemmed from a series of events that began earlier that day with the reported theft of a Ford F-250 truck from a dealership in North Nashville.
Authorities disclosed that the suspect allegedly struck the vehicle owner’s car while fleeing before later crashing into an unmarked police SUV, triggering a police chase that lasted about five minutes and reached speeds of approximately 80 miles per hour.
“At about 2:30 p.m., the suspect drove into oncoming traffic and struck the victim’s vehicle,” police said.
The impact of the collision reportedly forced Fadero’s vehicle nearly 100 yards into a ditch, where emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene.
Police stressed that Fadero was an innocent motorist with no connection to the pursuit.
Padgett, 52, was later apprehended and transported to a hospital for treatment of injuries described as non-life-threatening before being taken into custody.
Authorities said he is facing several felony charges, including criminally negligent homicide, vehicular homicide by recklessness, attempted criminal homicide, and reckless endangerment.
Investigators also revealed that the suspect was on parole at the time of the incident and had amassed at least 20 prior convictions across five counties in Tennessee.
Before her death, Fadero had recently completed her university education and was enrolled in an accelerated nursing programme at another institution.
Friends and former colleagues have since paid tribute to the late graduate, describing her as a compassionate and warm-hearted individual.
“She was one of the most compassionate and kindest of people that you would’ve ever met,” her former professor, Janet Walsh, said.
Another alumna, Jessica Williams, described the incident as heartbreaking, noting that Fadero was killed close to her residence.
Meanwhile, supporters and loved ones have launched a fundraising campaign which has raised more than $13,000 to assist with funeral expenses as tributes continue to pour in following her sudden death.
