Tragic! US-based Nigerian graduate Oluwalayomi Fadero killed

By Tolulope Oke

A 23-year-old US-based Nigerian graduate, Oluwalayomi “Layo” Fadero, has been killed after a fleeing driver crashed into her vehicle in Nashville, Tennessee.

According to WSMV Nashville, the incident occurred last Friday when the suspect, identified as Ray Eugene Padgett, allegedly drove into oncoming traffic while attempting to evade police, striking Fadero’s car.

Police said Fadero, a recent graduate of Fisk University, was heading into her neighbourhood along Murfreesboro Pike when the suspect’s vehicle hit her on the driver’s side, killing her instantly.

Metro Nashville Police disclosed that the crash followed a series of incidents earlier in the day, including the theft of a Ford F-250 truck from a car lot in North Nashville. Investigators said the suspect rammed the vehicle owner’s car and later crashed into an unmarked police SUV, triggering a pursuit that lasted about five minutes at speeds reaching 80 miles per hour.

“At about 2:30 p.m., the suspect drove into oncoming traffic and struck the victim’s vehicle,” police authorities said.

The impact reportedly forced Fadero’s car about 100 yards into a ditch. Emergency responders confirmed her dead at the scene, describing her as an uninvolved motorist with no connection to the chase.

Padgett, 52, was later arrested and taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries before being taken into custody. He is facing multiple felony charges, including criminally negligent homicide, vehicular homicide by recklessness, attempted criminal homicide, and reckless endangerment.

Authorities added that the suspect was on parole at the time of the incident and had at least 20 prior convictions across five counties in Tennessee.

Fadero was said to have recently completed her degree and was pursuing an accelerated nursing programme before her death.

“She was one of the most compassionate and kindest of people that you would’ve ever met,” her former professor, Janet Walsh, said.

A makeshift memorial has been set up at the crash site, while counselling support has been provided for students and members of the university community.

Meanwhile, a fundraiser organised by supporters has raised over $13,000 to assist with funeral expenses as family and friends continue to mourn her tragic death.