3 dead, 5 hospitalized in downtown Nashville after BMW driver tries to evade traffic stop and crashes into SUV

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: In a tragic turn of events, a routine traffic stop in downtown Nashville escalated into a fatal crash near the Juvenile Court on Woodland Street, leaving three people dead on Saturday evening, February 17, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD).

The incident began when police pulled over a BMW sedan at First Avenue and Gay Street. However, the driver chose to evade the traffic stop and ran away.

What led to tragic car crash?

Notably, MNPD reported that the pursuing officers did not follow the car. The fleeing BMW proceeded to Woodland Street and South First Street, where it collided with an Infiniti SUV's passenger side while running a red light.

The impact caused the Infiniti to flip over, and the BMW struck a light pole and a fire hydrant, according to WSMV.

Who are victims of crash?

Tragically, the 31-year-old driver of the BMW, identified as Anthony Matriel from Bowling Green, Kentucky, lost his life at the scene. Efforts are underway to notify his family.

While the four passengers in the BMW survived the crash, three of them sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital. The severity of their injuries remains unknown.

Kayla Green, a 21-year-old passenger in the Infiniti, also lost her life at the scene. The driver of the Infiniti and two other passengers suffered injuries and were taken to the hospital. Regrettably, another passenger in the BMW, identified as 31-year-old Devonte Gordon from Hollywood, Florida, later succumbed to injuries.

Driver sentenced to 25 years for killing two in crash

In a parallel incident, Gerald White, a 38-year-old New Castle, Delaware resident, has been handed a 25-year state prison sentence for his involvement in fatal crashes that claimed the lives of Timothy Ogden, 34, of Clayton, and pedestrian Lindsay Weakland, 18, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, during a spontaneous car rally in southern New Jersey.

Having previously lived in Pittsburgh, White pleaded guilty in December to charges of aggravated manslaughter and aggravated assault related to the September 2022 events. While the plea agreement outlined a 25-year term, White's attorney advocated for a 15-year sentence during the sentencing hearing.

Despite the plea, Superior Court Judge J Christopher Gibson opted for the full 25-year term, citing White's extensive criminal history. The tragic incident unfolded as White, evading authorities after a prior crash in Wildwood, collided with a car and two pedestrians, as per MEAWW. 

Authorities revealed that his blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit at the time. Under the No Early Release Act, White is obligated to serve 85% of his sentence before being considered eligible for parole.