A Nashville Uber driver was struck and killed on the side of I-24 east early today after coming to the aid of another driver whose vehicle had become disabled with a flat tire. Efforts are continuing to locate the 38-year-old victim’s next of kin.
The investigation to this point shows that Uber driver Marcus Utley, 36, was driving a couple in his Honda Fit on I-24 when he pulled over to the right shoulder near Murfreesboro Pike shortly after midnight due to a flat tire. Utley advised his passengers, Nathan Hood, 42, and his wife, Samantha Crews-Hood, 42, to call another Uber.
The second Uber driver arrived, got out of his vehicle and was standing on the shoulder of the interstate with Utley and the Hoods when a 2009 Honda Pilot SUV rounded a curve, swerved and collided with the people and the parked Honda Fit. The 38-year-old victim died at the scene. Samantha Crews-Hood suffered critical injuries and was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Her husband was treated and released from Vanderbilt. Utley received minor injuries and was not transported.
The driver of the Honda Pilot, Ekene Amaefuna, 26, of Nashville, claimed that another vehicle pulled into his lane, causing him to swerve. However, a witness traveling behind the Pilot did not corroborate that account. Amaefuna was not injured.
The investigative findings will be staffed with the District Attorney’s Office for a determination on potential criminal charges.