Nashville Authorities Seek Driver in Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident
Nashville, Tennessee is reeling from a heart-wrenching event that took place last weekend, which has left a community in mourning. The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) is actively pursuing a man who is facing multiple charges linked to a hit-and-run crash that tragically resulted in the death of a young girl.
What Happened
On Saturday, October 5, a 10-year-old girl, identified as Emily Sanchez-Ramirez, and her 28-year-old mother were riding an electric scooter in the designated bike lane on Nolensville Pike. They were heading north towards Paragon Mills Road when their lives took a devastating turn. Reports indicate that a speeding red Nissan unexpectedly veered into the bike lane, colliding with Emily and her mother. The driver of the vehicle did not stop, continuing down Nolensville Pike.
Emergency Response
Emergency crews quickly arrived on the scene, and both Emily and her mother were rushed to medical facilities. Emily was taken to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt with severe injuries, while her mother was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center with injuries that were initially deemed non-life-threatening. However, a change occurred on Sunday night, as heartbreaking news spread that Emily had succumbed to her injuries shortly after 9:30 p.m., causing grief to ripple through the community.
Sadly, the mother’s condition also worsened, and she was reported to be in critical condition a few days later. This shocking twist of events has left family, friends, and community members struggling to comprehend the loss of a young life.
Investigation Progress
Investigators didn’t waste time and quickly began to work on piecing together the details of that fateful evening. Three days post-incident, the MNPD confirmed they had identified the driver as Walter Daneris Zuniga, a 39-year-old man originally from Honduras. He is also known by the name Daneri Verela. Authorities tracked down Zuniga’s damaged red Nissan Sentra at his Radnor Street residence, which had been recovered following a tip from Crime Stoppers, highlighting how the community can play a role in aiding justice.
Charges Filed
As a result of their investigation, police have amassed a total of nine warrants against Zuniga, which include serious charges such as vehicular homicide by reckless conduct, reckless endangerment, leaving the scene of a crash involving death, and even evidence tampering. The severity of these charges underscores the gravity of the situation and the consequences facing the accused.
Community Impact and Call for Action
The heartbreaking loss of Emily has sent shockwaves through Nashville, prompting a communal call for justice and safety on the roads. Parents and communities are reminded once again of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety. As Nashville authorities continue their efforts to track down Zuniga, they are urging anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to step forward and help. You can call Crime Stoppers at (615) 742-7463 to provide any tips or leads.
Conclusion
This tragedy serves as a critical reminder of the importance of safety measures on our roads and the impact that reckless driving can have on innocent lives. As the investigation unfolds, our thoughts are with Emily’s family and all those affected by this senseless loss. The Nashville community stands strong, united in the hope for justice and healing, as we wait to see how this story will continue to develop.
