Tragic Incident on I-24 in South Nashville Leaves Man Fatally Injured

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A devastating incident unfolded on the early hours of Sunday morning, resulting in the tragic death of a man on I-24 in South Nashville. The victim, identified as 35-year-old Deubelic Velaquez-Velaquez, lost his life after being struck by a vehicle in what appears to be a hit-and-run incident.

The incident occurred on I-24 East, specifically between the intersections of Harding Place and Haywood Lane, at approximately 4 a.m. A concerned motorist, who was driving behind the vehicle responsible for the collision, noticed what he believed to be a lifeless body on the roadway and promptly came to a halt.

Metro Nashville police reported that the driver of the vehicle in front, which later fled the scene, seemed to have made a desperate attempt to avoid colliding with the victim. However, due to the chaotic nature of the incident, it remains unclear which vehicle initially struck the victim. Tragically, the victim was hit multiple times by passing vehicles, compounding the severity of the injuries sustained.

As investigations into the incident continue, authorities are faced with the challenging task of piecing together the events leading up to the fatal collision. One crucial aspect that will be examined is whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the incident. Toxicology tests have been ordered to determine if the victim or any of the drivers involved were under the influence at the time of the incident.

The loss of a life in such circumstances is always distressing, not only for the victim’s family and friends but also for the wider community. The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement agencies are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or possesses any information to come forward and assist in bringing justice to the victim and his grieving loved ones.