News Summary
John Baudendistel, a band director at La Vergne Middle School, has been charged with vehicular homicide following a fatal crash leading to the death of 51-year-old Angela Loupe. The incident occurred when Baudendistel rear-ended Loupe’s vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Both drivers of other involved vehicles fled the scene, prompting an ongoing investigation by authorities. Baudendistel has been released on a bond, with a court appearance scheduled soon. The case highlights serious concerns regarding impaired driving and road safety.
La Vergne – John Baudendistel, a 28-year-old band director at La Vergne Middle School, has been charged with vehicular homicide following a fatal crash that occurred in the early hours of June 29, 2025. The incident took place around 4 a.m. on I-24 East near the Bell Road exit, resulting in the death of 51-year-old Angela Dawn Loupe from Murfreesboro.
According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, Loupe succumbed to her injuries after being transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Baudendistel was driving a Nissan Rogue when he rear-ended Loupe’s Nissan Sentra, which was slowing down in response to an earlier multi-vehicle collision. The crash involved four vehicles total, including a 2015 Subaru Crosstrek and a 2003 Honda Accord. Both the Subaru and Honda drivers fled the scene before authorities arrived, leaving behind evidence suggesting alcohol was involved.
Following the collision, police observed Baudendistel displaying signs of intoxication, such as glossy red eyes and slurred speech. During the investigation, he acknowledged consuming alcohol prior to driving, and officers discovered an open alcoholic beverage in the center console of his vehicle. Field sobriety tests indicated potential impairment, leading to his consent for a blood draw to further assess his blood alcohol content.
The ongoing investigation is focusing on locating the drivers of the Subaru and Honda who fled the scene. Baudendistel has been released from custody after posting a $25,000 bond. A court appearance is scheduled for August 8, 2025, as the legal process unfolds.
Baudendistel, who began his employment with Rutherford County Schools on August 1, 2023, has since been placed under scrutiny due to the serious nature of the charges he faces. In response to the incident, Rutherford County Schools officials have refrained from making any further comments, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Vehicular homicide is a serious charge that occurs when an individual is accused of causing a death through negligent or reckless behavior while operating a vehicle. In this case, the combination of alcohol involvement and the multi-vehicle crash raises significant concerns regarding road safety and the responsibility of drivers to adhere to safe driving practices.
The crash has drawn attention to ongoing issues with driving under the influence, highlighting the dangers posed to both the drivers involved and the general public. The fatal consequences emphasize the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures against driving while intoxicated.
As the legal processes begin, community members may find themselves reflecting on the impact of this tragic event, questioning how to better promote safety on the roads and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The investigation continues, and new developments are likely to arise as the authorities search for all individuals involved in the crash.
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Additional Resources
- WSMV: Driver Charged in Deadly Car Crash
- Wikipedia: Vehicular Homicide
- Fox17: Four Drivers in Crash on I-24
- Google Search: I-24 Crash
- Rutherford Source: Middle School Band Director Charged
- Google Scholar: Vehicular Homicide
- Tennessean: I-24 Multi-Car Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vehicular Homicide
- Fox17: Man Found Shot in Car at La Vergne Exit
- Google News: La Vergne Traffic Accidents
Author: HERE Nashville
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