A 23-year-old Nigerian graduate living in the United States, Oluwalayomi Fadero, has died after a fatal collision caused by a fleeing suspect in Nashville.
The incident, reported on Tuesday, occurred last Friday when a man identified as Ray Eugene Padgett allegedly drove against traffic while attempting to escape police.
Fadero, who had recently graduated from Fisk University, was driving near her neighborhood along Murfreesboro Pike when her vehicle was struck on the driver’s side. She died at the scene.
Police said the crash followed a sequence of events earlier that day, beginning with the theft of a Ford F-250 truck in North Nashville. The suspect reportedly rammed the vehicle owner’s car and later collided with an unmarked police SUV, prompting a high-speed chase that lasted about five minutes and reached speeds of up to 80 mph.
At approximately 2:30 p.m., the suspect entered oncoming traffic and collided with Fadero’s car, forcing it roughly 100 yards into a ditch. Emergency responders confirmed her death at the scene. Authorities emphasized that she had no connection to the pursuit.
Padgett, 52, was later arrested. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was hospitalized before being taken into custody.
He now faces several felony charges, including criminally negligent homicide, vehicular homicide by recklessness, attempted criminal homicide, and reckless endangerment. Police also revealed that he was on parole at the time and had at least 20 prior convictions across five counties in Tennessee.
Fadero had recently completed her degree and was enrolled in an accelerated nursing program before her death.
“She was one of the most compassionate and kindest people you could ever meet,” said her former professor, Janet Walsh.
Another alumna, Jessica Williams, described the loss as heartbreaking, noting that the crash occurred close to Fadero’s home.
A memorial has since been set up at the crash site, and counseling services are being offered to members of the university community.
Meanwhile, a fundraising campaign organized by friends and supporters has raised over $13,000 to help cover funeral expenses, as loved ones continue to mourn her sudden passing.
Police say investigations into the incident are ongoing.
