Nashville Community Mourns 10-Year-Old Girl Killed in Hit-and-Run as Police Search for Driver

Nashville Police Investigate Tragic Hit-and-Run that Claimed Young Life

In a heart-wrenching incident that shocked the Nashville community, police are currently searching for a man connected to a hit-and-run crash that tragically took the life of a 10-year-old girl and seriously injured her mother. The crash occurred over the weekend, leaving a heavy cloud of sorrow hanging over the city.

The Incident

The unsettling events unfolded on Saturday night when little Emily Sanchez-Ramirez and her mother, Laura Ramirez-Gonzalez, were riding an electric scooter in the bike lane along Nolensville Pike. It was supposed to be a fun evening for the two, but within moments it turned into a nightmare. They were suddenly struck by a speeding red Nissan that was reportedly reckless in its driving.

Emergency responders rushed both mother and daughter to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Despite their best efforts, little Emily succumbed to her injuries. The news broke like a thunderclap—Emily was a beloved fifth-grader at Tusculum Elementary School. In the wake of this tragedy, classmates and teachers are grieving a shimmering light snuffed out too soon.

Meanwhile, her motherLaura remains in critical condition at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The police are working tirelessly to ensure that justice is served for this young girl and her injured mother amid the mounting heartbreak across Nashville.

Hit-and-Run Investigation

After the fatal crash, the driver sped away, leaving the scene in a chilling act of cowardice. Thankfully, law enforcement has made significant progress in the investigation. Just this morning, police recovered a vehicle believed to be involved in the hit-and-run—an unmistakably damaged Nissan Sentra found at a home on Radnor Street.

As for the driver, Daneri Varela, a native of Honduras, is currently wanted for questioning. Unfortunately, his whereabouts remain unknown, adding to the urgency of the situation. Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) is appealing to the community for help. They encourage anyone with information regarding Varela’s location to come forward and reach out to Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.

The Aftermath

The sorrow surrounding Emily’s passing has ignited a wave of sympathy from the community. Friends, family, and even strangers have expressed outrage and sadness at what happened. Many are calling for safer roads and stricter penalties for reckless driving, hoping something like this will never happen again.

The police, for their part, have also confirmed that the suspected vehicle was involved in another collision while trying to flee the crash site. It reportedly struck another car at the intersection of Nolensville Pike and Welshwood—though luckily, no additional injuries were reported. The Nissan showed signs of damage, including a broken headlight and front-end dents, which will likely aid investigators as they continue to build their case.

Community Support

Nashville is known for its tight-knit community, and during this heart-wrenching time, many are reaching out to support Emily’s family. Community members have come together to lend a shoulder to cry on, sharing condolences and offering help in any way they can. A community vigil is already being discussed as a way to honor Emily’s life and support Laura during her recovery.

While the road ahead may be long for those affected, the echo of Emily’s laughter continues to resonate in the hearts of those who knew her. Through community unity and continuing efforts in the investigation, Nashville aims to turn this tragedy into a catalyst for change — ensuring safer streets for everyone.