US-based Nigerian graduate killed in Nashville crash involving fleeing driver

A 23-year-old Nigerian graduate, Oluwalayomi “Layo” Fadero, was tragically killed last Friday in Nashville, Tennessee, after a wrong-way driver fleeing police collided with her vehicle.

According to WSMV Nashville, the suspect, Ray Eugene Padgett, allegedly drove into oncoming traffic while attempting to evade arrest, striking Fadero’s car on the driver’s side and killing her instantly.

Fadero, a recent Fisk University graduate, was reportedly driving into her neighborhood along Murfreesboro Pike when the collision occurred. Metro Nashville Police confirmed that the crash came after a series of incidents earlier in the day, beginning with the theft of a Ford F-250 truck from a North Nashville car lot.

Investigators said Padgett rammed the vehicle owner’s car while fleeing, later crashing into an unmarked police SUV, which led to a pursuit that lasted approximately five minutes and reached speeds near 80 miles per hour.

“At about 2:30 p.m., the suspect drove into oncoming traffic and struck the victim’s vehicle,” authorities said. The force of the impact reportedly sent Fadero’s car about 100 yards into a ditch, with emergency responders confirming her death at the scene.

Police described Fadero as an uninvolved motorist who had no connection to the chase. Padgett, 52, was later arrested and taken to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries before being formally taken into custody.

He now faces multiple felony charges, including criminally negligent homicide, vehicular homicide by recklessness, attempted criminal homicide, and reckless endangerment. Authorities also disclosed that Padgett 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 planning to pursue an accelerated nursing program at another institution. She was remembered by friends and faculty for her warmth and compassion.

“She was one of the most compassionate and kindest people you could ever meet,” said her former professor, Janet Walsh. Alumna Jessica Williams called her death “heartbreaking,” noting that the tragedy occurred near Fadero’s home.

A makeshift memorial has been created at the crash site, while counseling services have been made available to students and members of the Fisk University community.

Supporters have also launched a fundraiser, which has raised over $13,000 to help cover funeral expenses as family and friends continue to mourn the sudden loss of the promising young graduate.

Police investigations into the crash and the events leading up to it are ongoing.