43-year-old man dies after SUV overturns leaving I-24 East onto Haywood Lane exit ramp

What happened

A 43-year-old driver died after a single-vehicle crash late Friday night near the Interstate 24 East exit ramp to Haywood Lane in southeast Nashville. The collision occurred around 10 p.m. on January 16, 2026, at Haywood Lane near the I-24 East ramp.

Investigators said the driver, identified as Darling Perez-Rios, had just exited I-24 East and was traveling onto Haywood Lane when he lost control of a 2000 Ford Explorer. The SUV struck the center dividing wall beneath the interstate, then moved back toward the right shoulder and overturned, coming to rest on the driver’s side.

Injuries and medical response

Perez-Rios was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center following the wreck. He later died from his injuries, police said.

Seat belt and impairment testing

Police reported the driver was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. As part of the investigation, toxicology testing is expected to determine whether impairment played a role. Results have not been released.

Where the crash occurred and why the location matters

The Haywood Lane/I-24 interchange sits in a heavily traveled corridor that serves Antioch-area neighborhoods and connects to multiple commercial areas. Traffic patterns at interstate ramps can involve rapid speed changes and steering corrections as vehicles transition from highway lanes to surface streets.

What remains unknown

• Whether road conditions, vehicle condition, speed, or a medical issue contributed to the loss of control.
• Whether alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication impairment was a factor, pending toxicology results.
• Whether any roadway features, signage, or ramp geometry are under review as contributing circumstances.

The crash remains under investigation, with toxicology testing planned to assess possible impairment.

Ongoing investigation

Investigators are continuing to document the scene, reconstruct the vehicle’s movements, and review available physical evidence. Police have not announced any additional vehicles being involved and have characterized the incident as a single-vehicle crash.

This story will be updated as official findings are released, including toxicology results and any determinations on contributing factors.