Metropolitan Nashville Police Department South Precinct officers, Nashville Fire Department rescue crews, and emergency medical service personnel responded to emergency 911 dispatch calls reporting a hit-and-run collision and subsequent pedestrian impact on Interstate 24 East near Haywood Lane at approximately 8:15 p.m. on Monday, October 19, 2026. Preliminary findings indicate that 33-year-old Wilondja Mtendji, of Nashville, Tennessee, was driving a passenger car involved in an initial hit-and-run collision with a tractor-trailer. After his vehicle came to a rest against the center retaining wall, Mtendji exited the automobile and attempted to run across the travel lanes of the interstate, where he was struck by a second oncoming semi-truck. Emergency medical service technicians provided immediate field care and transported Mtendji to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
Law Enforcement Investigation and Status
Metropolitan Nashville Police Department Fatal Crash Team detectives closed the eastbound lanes of Interstate 24 near Haywood Lane for several hours to perform physical scene reconstruction, inspect vehicle telemetry, and map impact markers along the highway. Investigators reported that the driver of the second semi-truck immediately brought the commercial vehicle to a complete stop on the right shoulder, cooperated fully with law enforcement, and showed no signs of impairment. Authorities maintain an active, ongoing investigation into the complete sequence of events and initial collision circumstances. Official post-mortem examinations and formal cause-of-death determinations are being completed under the jurisdiction of the Davidson County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Tributes and Memorial Notices
News of Mtendji’s passing brought deep sorrow to his family, friends, and community members across Nashville and Davidson County. Loved ones remembered the 33-year-old resident for his personal connections, warm character, and lasting presence in the lives of those around him. Official details regarding public visitation hours, memorial services, and funeral arrangements will be announced by authorized family representatives once plans are finalized.
For local news coverage on the traffic disruption and initial police response, you can watch the Pedestrian dead after crash involving semi-truck on I-24E in Nashville report. This broadcast details the temporary interstate shutdown near the Haywood Lane exit following the fatal collision.
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