The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department confirmed that Ray Eugene Padgett was taken into custody in connection with the incident

Authorities in the United States have arrested a suspect following the fatal hit-and-run that killed Nigerian graduate Oluwalayomi Fadero in Nashville.

The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department confirmed that Ray Eugene Padgett was taken into custody in connection with the incident.

According to reports, the tragedy began on Friday after Padgett allegedly stole a truck and tried to evade capture.

The vehicle’s owner tracked the truck, prompting Padgett to reverse into another car before fleeing.

Police deployed aerial surveillance, but the suspect crashed into an unmarked police vehicle, leading to a high-speed chase. Speeds reached about 80 miles per hour along Murfreesboro Pike.

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

Her vehicle was pushed nearly 100 yards into a ditch, and the 23-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

Padgett, who was reportedly on parole, was taken to a hospital and now faces a charge of criminal homicide.

MNPD said he set off the chain of events that claimed Fadero’s life while attempting to evade the law.

Fadero, a Fisk University alumna, has been remembered by classmates and lecturers as caring and selfless.

“It’s heartbreaking to know she was near her home,” said classmate Jessica Williams. Lecturer Janet Walsh added, “These small acts of kindness truly make the world a better place. I’m honoured to have known her.”

A temporary memorial has been placed at the crash site along Murfreesboro Pike.

A GoFundMe campaign to support her family’s funeral costs had raised over $15,000 at the time of reporting.

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