Two-Car Collision On Nolensville Pike Involving 13-Year-Old Driver Claims Life Of Nashville Man

From the City of Nashville:

March 5, 2021

Friday’s 9 a.m. two-car collision on Nolensville Pike, involving a 13-year-old driver reportedly fleeing from a hit and run crash at a high rate of speed, claimed the life of David Cheatham, 71, of Nashville.

The teen was traveling north on Nolensville Pike in a white Dodge Dart when he ran the red light at Haywood Lane, swerved to miss another vehicle, and lost control of the car which then collided with Cheatham’s Dodge Challenger. Cheatham had just made a purchase at O’Reilly Auto Parts, 4650 Nolensville Pike, and was about to exit the parking lot onto Nolensville Pike when he was struck. Cheatham died at the scene. The teen was transported to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. He will be charged with several offenses, including vehicular homicide by recklessness, upon his discharge from the hospital.

Prior to the fatal crash, the teen had reportedly been involved in a hit and run crash on Danby Drive and Blackman Road. The other driver involved in the hit and run reported that he followed the teen onto Nolensville Pike but stopped near Haywood Lane due to excessive speeds.

The investigation continues into how the teen acquired the keys to the Dodge Dart. The vehicle has not been reported stolen and attempts to contact the owner have thus far been unsuccessful.

This press release was produced by the City of Nashville. The views expressed here are the author’s own.