Timeline: Fatal hit-and-runs, pedestrian deaths on Nashville's Lafayette Street corridor

A stretch of Lafayette Street in South Nashville has come under increasing scrutiny following a series of pedestrian crashes, including multiple fatalities and hit-and-runs over the past several years. The corridor, particularly near Fairfield Avenue and the JC Napier Homes area, has been the site of numerous crashes involving pedestrians. Concerns escalated this spring after two people were killed in a hit-and-run and another man later died from injuries suffered in a separate crash nearby. Here's a timeline of key events that have drawn attention to safety concerns along the corridor. October 2025: Pedestrian killed near Lafayette Street and Fairfield Avenue In October 2025, 62-year-old Dave Norman Krajenka was struck and killed near Lafayette Street and Fairfield Avenue. The crash occurred about a block from where two other pedestrians would later be killed in April 2026. March 27, 2026: Hit-and-run critically injures pedestrian Just days before Easter weekend, 41-year-old Ronnie Wilson was critically injured in a hit-and-run crash near Lafayette Street and Fairfield Avenue. Police later identified a suspected driver and indicated charges were expected. Wilson remained hospitalized for weeks following the crash. April 5, 2026: Two pedestrians killed in hit-and-run Around 2 a.m. Easter Sunday, police say a speeding driver struck and killed 31-year-old Yulonda Parham and 27-year-old Kanon Oldham in the 100 block of Lafayette Street. Family members said the pair had just left LINQ Social Kitchen before they were hit. According to Metro Police, the driver abandoned the damaged vehicle several blocks away and fled on foot. The suspect has not been publicly identified. Parham left behind two young sons. Oldham's family said he also left behind a daughter. April 6, 2026: Safety concerns draw renewed attention One day after the double fatality, residents, business owners, and family members began calling for changes along Lafayette Street. Neighbors cited speeding, poor lighting, gaps in pedestrian infrastructure, and heavy foot traffic as ongoing concerns. FOX 17 News reviewed crash data showing multiple pedestrian deaths had occurred within the same five-block stretch since 2023. The crash also marked at least the second hit-and-run in the area within two weeks. April 10, 2026: LINQ Social Kitchen ordered to close Five days after the fatal crash, Metro officials ordered LINQ Social Kitchen to close following a stop-work order tied to code and safety violations. The Nashville Fire Department said the business lacked an operational permit and had undertaken construction without required permits. Metro officials said the closure was unrelated to the crash itself, but came days after the deaths of Parham and Oldham, who had been at the business before they were struck. The club said it planned to work with the city to address concerns and reopen. May 9, 2026: Ronnie Wilson dies from injuries More than a month after being critically injured in the March 27 hit-and-run, Ronnie Wilson died from his injuries. His death added another fatality to the growing list of serious pedestrian crashes along the Lafayette Street corridor. Meanwhile, residents, victims' families and business owners continue to raise concerns about safety along Lafayette Street, pointing to recurring issues including speeding, limited lighting and heavy pedestrian activity. The corridor has seen multiple pedestrian fatalities since 2023, and advocates say the recent crashes have renewed calls for improvements aimed at protecting people who walk in the area.