Nashville, January 2, 2026
News Summary
A tragic hit-and-run incident occurred in Nashville on New Year’s Day, claiming the life of 23-year-old Afriye Seegars and critically injuring a 24-year-old man. The crash happened outside Pecker’s Bar and Grill as the victims awaited a rideshare. Authorities are on the lookout for a red or maroon Ford Mustang that fled the scene. Metro Council Member Jacob Kupin has raised concerns about road safety, emphasizing the need for better traffic law enforcement. Grieving families seek justice as police request public assistance in identifying the vehicle involved.
Nashville
A woman died and a man was critically injured in a hit-and-run incident early on New Year’s Day in Nashville. The crash occurred around 1:30 a.m. outside Pecker’s Bar and Grill on Hermitage Avenue. The victims, 23-year-old Afriye Seegars and a 24-year-old man, were waiting for a rideshare when they were struck by a speeding vehicle.
Afriye Seegars, from Nashville, died at the scene, while the 24-year-old man was transported to the hospital in critical condition. Police are searching for a red or maroon Ford Mustang implicated in the crash, which fled the scene. A blurry security photo of the vehicle was released by authorities shortly after the incident.
The victims had called for an Uber and were about to enter the car when they were hit. A witness described seeing the car come out of nowhere and hit the victims, expressing distress over the incident. This bystander attempted to help by calling 911 and performing CPR on Seegars but was unable to save her. The witness noted that another car might have hit Seegars after the initial impact.
Metro Council Member Jacob Kupin highlighted ongoing safety concerns on roads near downtown Nashville, citing the need for increased traffic law enforcement. The speed limit on Hermitage Avenue was lowered to 25 mph over the summer but remains a concern for pedestrian safety.
Kupin expressed heartbreak over the tragic event, emphasizing that the victims made a safe choice by using rideshare services. In a broader context, two separate hit-and-run crashes in Nashville on New Year’s Day resulted in two fatalities and one critical injury. The second incident occurred on Nolensville Pike near I-440 East, where another unidentified pedestrian was killed.
The victims’ unexpected deaths on New Year’s Day have caused significant grief for their families and friends. Advocacy efforts are ongoing for stricter laws against hit-and-run drivers and the implementation of technology to promote safer driving habits. Law enforcement is asking for public assistance in identifying the drivers involved in both incidents, offering anonymous reporting options.
FAQs
What time did the hit-and-run incident occur?
The crash occurred around 1:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
Who were the victims of the hit-and-run?
The victims were 23-year-old Afriye Seegars and a 24-year-old man.
What vehicle is being investigated in the hit-and-run?
Authorities are searching for a red or maroon Ford Mustang implicated in the crash.
What injuries did the victims sustain?
Afriye Seegars died at the scene, while the 24-year-old man was transported to the hospital in critical condition.
Are there ongoing safety concerns in Nashville?
Yes, Metro Council Member Jacob Kupin has highlighted ongoing safety concerns on roads near downtown Nashville.
How was the public encouraged to assist law enforcement?
Law enforcement is asking for public assistance in identifying the drivers involved in both incidents, offering anonymous reporting options.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Hit-and-run |
| Location | Packer’s Bar and Grill, Hermitage Avenue, Nashville |
| Date | January 1, 2023 |
| Time | 1:30 AM |
| Victims | Afriye Seegars (23, deceased), 24-year-old male (critically injured) |
| Vehicle Involved | Red or maroon Ford Mustang |
| Additional Incidents | Another hit-and-run on Nolensville Pike, resulting in an additional fatality |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic High-Speed Crash in Nashville Claims Lives of Four Teenagers
Tragic Car Crash Claims Lives of Four Teenagers in Nashville
Pedestrian Safety Concerns Rise After Nashville Incident
Deadly Hit-and-Run Investigation in Bellevue, Nashville
Car Crashes into Home in Nashville, Causing Traffic Chaos
Tragic Crashes Cause Fatalities and Traffic Disruptions on I-24
Severe Weather Causes Traffic Disruptions in Middle Tennessee
Teen’s Build-A-Bear Tribute Faces Name Controversy
Vanderbilt University Faces Federal Scrutiny Over Policies
Traffic Disruptions and Fatalities in Nashville Accidents
Additional Resources
- NewsChannel 5
- Wikipedia: Nashville
- WSMV
- Google Search: Nashville hit-and-run
- Fox 17
- Google Scholar: Nashville hit-and-run
- Tennessean
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nashville
- WKRN
- Google News: Nashville hit-and-run

Author: HERE Nashville
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