Tragic Loss: ‘The Voice Kids’ Star, 19, Dies in Devastating Hit-and-Run Incident

A tragic hit-and-run incident has claimed the life of a former contestant from Colombia’s The Voice Kids, along with another individual. Authorities are actively searching for the driver who fled the scene.

Nineteen-year-old Nicole Valeria Vargas Gomez, who gained fame as a child singer on La Voz Kids in 2019, was among the victims of this heartbreaking event.

The accident occurred on the road connecting Circasia and Armenia in the Quindío region of Colombia.

Also killed in the collision was 40-year-old William Andrew Paipa.

Local police report that Vargas Gomez and Paipa were crossing the street when they were suddenly hit by an unidentified vehicle.

The force of the impact threw both victims into the air, sending them onto the opposite side of the roadway.

A former contestant from Colombia’s The Voice Kids has been killed in a devastating hit-and-run crash that also claimed the life of another man; seen in 2019

Police confirmed that the driver allegedly did not stop to help and instead fled the scene.

Investigators are now working to identify and locate the vehicle involved in the fatal crash.

In an official statement, obtained by Unilad, law enforcement officers said: ‘A traffic accident occurred involving pedestrians being run over by an unidentified vehicle, affecting two individuals who were crossing the road in the restaurant area at El Solar. 

‘At this time, the individuals can be identified as William Andres Paipa and Nicole Valeria Vargas Gomez.’ 

Vargas Gomez first found fame at age 12 when she appeared on La Voz Kids at the age of 12, attracting a loyal fanbase despite not advancing to the final. 

She continued performing in the years that followed, appearing at festivals across Colombia.

Nicole Valeria Vargas Gomez, who rose to national attention as a child singer on La Voz Kids in 2019, died at just 19 years old

The crash took place on the Circasia–Armenia road in Quindío, Colombia

In addition to her music career, Vargas Gomez was studying Business Administration at the University of Quindío, which released a statement paying tribute to her life and impact.

‘Nicole was a young woman committed to her academic training and to the cultural life of our alma mater,’ the university said.

‘From the classrooms and also from the stages, she left her mark through her discipline, sensitivity and deep love for art.

‘As a member of Coranto, she always carried the name of the University of Quindio with honour to every meeting and performance.’  

On X, they shared a post, reach read: ‘With profound sorrow, Rector @LuisferPolania, the Directorate of @BienestarINS, other members of the administration, faculty, and students mourn the passing of Nicole Valeria Vargas Gómez and join together in prayer for her eternal rest.

‘We offer a prayer that your family and loved ones may find strength and comfort in this difficult moment. May your academic and artistic legacy remain forever in the memory of our university community.’

Vargas Gomez first found fame at age 12 when she appeared on La Voz Kids at the age of 12, attracting a loyal fanbase despite not advancing to the final

She continued performing in the years that followed, appearing at festivals across Colombia

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as efforts continue to track down the driver responsible.

Her death comes just weeks after Ifunanya Nwangene, a talented vocalist who appeared on The Voice Nigeria’s third season, died at the age of 26 following a deadly snake bite.  

The Enugu-born soprano vocalist, who worked as an architect, was bit by the poisonous snake at her home in Abuja, sources told BBC Africa.

Nwangene garnered attention in April of 2021 after her performance of the Rihanna ballad Take A Bow, which had amassed more than 85,000 YouTube views as of Sunday evening.

Nwangene was a member of the Amemuso Choir, BBC Africa reported, noting that the choir’s music director Sam Ezugwu posted a statement on Facebook confirming the tragic news Sunday.

‘With painful heart, we announce the [death] of Ifunanya Nwangene Nanyah,’ the statement from the choir read.

The Amemuso Choir said Ifunanya ‘was on the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world’ and that ‘her voice and spirit will be deeply missed.’