Driver abandons vehicle and flees on foot after striking rider in Nashville
December 10, 2025 | Nashville, TN
Blaise Shaeffer, a 31-year-old from Nolensville, lost his life in a hit-and-run collision while cycling along Nolensville Pike on Dec. 10.
Blaise Shaeffer, 31, of Nolensville, was killed when a blue Honda Civic struck his bicycle on Nolensville Pike near Burkitt Road in a hit-and-run crash in Nashville.
What Happened in the Crash?
Authorities report that Shaeffer was struck by a blue Honda Civic as he rode his bicycle. Before the crash, a Nolensville police officer initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle, but the chase was terminated upon entering Davidson County jurisdiction.
- Date of Incident: Dec. 10, 2025
- Location: Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN
- Victim: Blaise Shaeffer, 31, Nolensville resident
- Vehicle Involved: Blue Honda Civic
- Outcome: Fatal injuries to the cyclist, and the driver fled on foot
- Passenger Status: Female passenger apprehended at a nearby business
The driver escaped the scene on foot following the collision. Investigators encourage tips from the public, and contact Metro CrimeStoppers at 615-74-CRIME (615-742-7469) with any relevant information.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur?
Hit-and-run incidents often stem from drivers fearing legal repercussions, such as intoxication, unlicensed operation, or outstanding warrants. According to the Federal Highway Administration, these crashes account for about 11 percent of all reported collisions nationwide.
Factor |
Description |
Source |
|---|
Intoxication |
Drivers under the influence panic and flee to avoid detection |
CDC |
Unlicensed Driving |
Fear of immediate arrest prompts evasion |
FHWA |
Prior Warrants |
Concerns over unrelated legal issues led to the flight |
NHTSA |
Road Conditions |
Poor visibility or signage may contribute indirectly |
FHWA |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, thorough investigations play a critical role in uncovering negligence and supporting affected families.
“Having the proper resources is crucial to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst with Newsline. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all potential contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has lost a loved one at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
- Independent investigations can identify witnesses and gather evidence overlooked by initial reports.
- Legal guidance helps navigate insurance communications and potential claims.
- Compensation may cover losses like companionship, emotional distress, and financial consequences.
The family members of Blaise Shaeffer may pursue a wrongful death claim to address the profound losses endured.
“We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of. Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free, no-obligation consultation.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).