Two pedestrians killed in Nashville hit-and-run

Police searching for driver who fled the scene after striking and killing two people

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:53pm

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Two pedestrians were killed in a hit-and-run incident in the Napier area of Nashville, Tennessee. According to police, a 2011 Lexus 250 sedan was driving at a high rate of speed on Lafayette Street when it struck 31-year-old Yulonda Parham and 27-year-old Kanon Oldham. Both victims were taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where they died. The male driver of the Lexus pulled over briefly but then fled the scene on foot. The registered owner of the vehicle responded to assist investigators, but there were no signs of alcohol or drug use inside the car.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of pedestrian safety in urban areas and the need for greater accountability for drivers who flee the scene of a serious accident. Nashville has seen an increase in pedestrian fatalities in recent years, raising concerns about infrastructure, driver behavior, and law enforcement efforts to address this problem.

The details

According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, the 2011 Lexus 250 sedan was driving outbound on Lafayette Street at a high rate of speed when it struck 31-year-old Yulonda Parham and 27-year-old Kanon Oldham. Both victims were transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where they were pronounced dead. Witnesses reported that the male driver pulled over briefly but then fled the scene on foot. The registered owner of the Lexus responded to assist investigators, but there were no signs of alcohol or drug use inside the vehicle. Police have towed the car for further forensic analysis and are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers.

  • The incident occurred on April 5, 2026.

The players

Yulonda Parham

A 31-year-old pedestrian who was struck and killed by the vehicle.

Kanon Oldham

A 27-year-old pedestrian who was struck and killed by the vehicle.

Metro Nashville Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the hit-and-run incident.

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What’s next

Police are continuing their investigation to identify the driver of the Lexus and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The registered owner of the vehicle has been cooperative, but the driver who fled the scene remains at large.

The takeaway

This tragic hit-and-run highlights the ongoing need for improved pedestrian safety measures, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and greater accountability for drivers who endanger the lives of others. The Nashville community must come together to address this issue and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.