Nashville crash on Gallatin Pike leaves wheelchair user dead; police cite driver’s inattention and failure to yield

What happened and where

A woman using a motorized wheelchair was struck by a vehicle Monday afternoon, March 2, 2026, in the Gallatin Pike area in Nashville. The collision prompted an on-scene investigation by the Metro Nashville Police Department and led to traffic impacts as part of Gallatin Pike was temporarily shut down while officers worked the crash.

The crash occurred in Madison at the intersection of Gallatin Pike South and East Palestine Avenue, a signalized crossing where pedestrians commonly move between bus stops, nearby businesses, and residential streets.

Victim identified; injuries proved fatal

Police identified the victim as 75-year-old Naomi Mangrum. She was transported to TriStar Skyline Medical Center after the crash. Authorities later reported she died from her injuries, updating the initial assessment that she was in critical condition.

How police say the collision unfolded

Investigators said Mangrum entered the crosswalk after receiving a walk signal and began crossing Gallatin Pike from west to east. At the same time, a Honda HR-V proceeded on a green light and began a left turn from East Palestine Avenue onto Gallatin Pike.

Police said the driver, a 31-year-old woman from Michigan, admitted she had been looking at her phone’s GPS shortly before the impact. Investigators charged the driver with failure to yield the right of way resulting in serious injury. She was released on a $1,000 bond.

• Date and time: Monday afternoon, March 2, 2026
• Location: Gallatin Pike South at East Palestine Avenue, Madison
• Victim: 75-year-old Naomi Mangrum
• Vehicle: Honda HR-V
• Charge filed: failure to yield the right of way resulting in serious injury

Why this corridor draws scrutiny

Gallatin Pike is one of Nashville’s busiest arterial roads, carrying high volumes of vehicle traffic while also serving transit riders and pedestrians. The corridor has been the focus of city planning work aimed at improving safety and access for people walking, biking, and using mobility devices, reflecting longstanding concerns about speed, turning conflicts, and the challenge of crossing multiple lanes.

The case remains under active investigation as police continue documenting evidence and finalizing the crash report.

What happens next

Police investigations in serious-injury and fatal crashes typically include a detailed reconstruction of movements through the intersection, timing of signals, driver statements, and any available video or witness accounts. Any additional charges, if warranted, would depend on investigative findings and prosecutorial review.