News Summary
Nashville witnessed two tragic traffic incidents on the same day, highlighting the dangers of reckless driving. A collision at Thompson Lane led to the death of a speeding driver, while another crash on I-24 resulted in the fatality of a 51-year-old woman. Authorities are investigating both cases, which emphasize the serious implications of impaired driving and speeding on public safety.
Nashville Traffic Tragedy: Fatal Crashes on Thompson Lane and I-24
On Sunday afternoon, June 29, 2025, Nashville was the scene of two tragic traffic incidents that resulted in death and serious injuries, highlighting the dangers of speeding and impaired driving. The first fatal crash occurred at the intersection of Thompson Lane and Southlake Drive, while a subsequent incident on I-24 East led to charges of vehicular homicide.
Thompson Lane Collision Details
The multi-vehicle crash on Thompson Lane was reported at approximately 2:47 p.m. and involved a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado and a Honda Accord. According to officials from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), a section of Thompson Lane/Briley Parkway was closed in both directions starting at around 3:40 p.m. and remained closed until the police investigation concluded, with the road reopening at 6:45 p.m.
The driver of the Silverado, a 47-year-old man from Watertown, was reportedly driving at a high rate of speed when he ran a red light, colliding with the Honda Accord that was proceeding through the intersection on a green light. The impact resulted in the pickup truck driver being ejected from his vehicle; he died at the scene as he was not wearing a seatbelt. The two occupants of the Honda Accord were both seatbelted— the driver emerged uninjured while the passenger sustained minor abrasions. Law enforcement found no evidence of impairment for the Honda Accord driver; however, toxicology tests are pending for the Silverado driver. Authorities were in the process of contacting the deceased driver’s next of kin.
I-24 East Incident
In a separate traffic incident on the same day, a four-vehicle crash on I-24 East resulted in the death of a 51-year-old woman from Murfreesboro. This collision took place around 4:00 a.m. near the Bell Road exit. Initial reports indicate that while four vehicles were involved, only two drivers remained at the scene when police arrived: the deceased woman, driving a Nissan Sentra, and 28-year-old John Baudendistel, who drove a Nissan Rogue.
The victim was transported to Vanderbilt Medical Center but succumbed to injuries shortly after arriving. As per the police report, it is believed that her vehicle was slowing to avoid another collision when Baudendistel’s Nissan Rogue struck the rear of her car. The circumstances leading to this collision included a hit-and-run involving two other vehicles, a Subaru Crosstrek and a Honda Accord, which left the accident scene prior to police arrival. Investigators discovered evidence suggesting alcohol was involved in the hit-and-run incidents.
Charges and Investigation
Baudendistel exhibited signs of impairment at the scene, with observed red, glossy eyes and slurred speech. He admitted to consuming alcohol prior to the crash and consented to a blood draw for further testing. Additionally, an open container of alcohol was found within his vehicle. As a result, Baudenistel faces vehicular homicide charges but is currently free on a $25,000 bond. Police continue to seek information regarding the other vehicles involved in the hit-and-run.
Broader Implications
These incidents underscore the critical issue of road safety and compliance with traffic laws in Nashville. Authorities are reminding the public of the severe consequences that can arise from reckless driving behaviors such as speeding and operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. The community’s response to these tragedies may prompt increased awareness and potential future initiatives to improve traffic safety measures across the region.
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Additional Resources
- WKRN: MNPD Person Dead Following Briley Parkway Crash
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- WSMV: Driver Charged After Woman Killed in Multi-Vehicle Crash
- Google Search: Nashville traffic safety
- Fox 17: Deadly South Nashville Crash Under Investigation
- Google Scholar: Vehicular Homicide Nashville
- Tennessean: I-24 Multi-Car Crash – Man Charged
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- News Channel 5: Man Charged with Vehicular Homicide
- Google News: Nashville vehicular homicide
Author: HERE Nashville
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