Nigerian Graduate Killed in Nashville Police Chase Crash

Oluwalayomi “Layo” Fadero, a 23-year-old recent Fisk University graduate from Nigeria, lost her life last Friday afternoon while turning into her Nashville neighborhood on Hickory Woods Drive off Murfreesboro Pike. Driving her Hyundai Elantra, she was struck head-on by a stolen Ford F-250 pickup truck driven the wrong way in inbound lanes by Ray Eugene Padgett, 52, who was fleeing police at speeds up to 80 mph. The collision hurled her vehicle 100 yards into a ditch; she was pronounced dead at the scene, while her dog Nala survived and reunited with family.

The crash capped a chaotic chain of events starting with Padgett allegedly stealing the truck from a North Nashville car lot that morning. He rammed the owner’s vehicle in an alley off St. Louis Street, then five minutes before the fatal impact, crashed into an unmarked police SUV carrying a plainclothes detective, sparking the brief pursuit. A parolee with over 20 prior convictions across five Tennessee counties, Padgett sustained minor injuries, was hospitalized, then jailed on $805,000 bond facing charges like criminally negligent homicide, vehicular homicide by recklessness, attempted criminal homicide, felony reckless endangerment, and driving on a revoked license; more charges loom.

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Fadero held a bachelor’s from Fisk and pursued an accelerated nursing degree elsewhere, balancing academics with volunteer work that marked her as exceptionally compassionate. Former professor Janet Walsh remembered her as “one of the most compassionate and kindest of people,” a well-rounded scientist who nurtured others through small acts of kindness. Fisk alumna Jessica Williams called the loss “heartbreaking,” noting Fadero was blocks from home, urging community action for safer roads.

Community Mourns and Supports

A makeshift memorial now stands at the crash site, with Fisk University offering counseling to students and staff. An online fundraiser has raised over $13,000 for funeral costs, honoring her bright spirit and love for family, friends, and Nala. Metro Nashville Police investigations continue.