Columbia Police Department Requests Public Assistance in Fatal Hit-and-Run Investigation

On Thursday, September 11, 2025, just before 5:00 a.m., the Columbia Police Department responded to reports of a pedestrian found in the roadway on Tom J. Hitch Parkway near River Highlands Apartments. Upon arrival, officers located sixty-three-year-old Teresa Nelson deceased at the scene. The driver of the vehicle involved fled leaving Nelson in the roadway.

Detectives have determined that Nelson was last seen at her residence at approximately 4:30 a.m. Emergency services were notified of the incident at 4:50 a.m., establishing a narrow timeline of events leading up to the fatal collision.

The Columbia Police Department, with assistance from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, is actively investigating this case. Detectives are urging anyone with information to contact Columbia Police. Even the smallest detail could prove vital in bringing closure to this investigation.

The Columbia Police Department extends its deepest sympathies to Teresa Nelson’s family and loved ones, as well as to all those affected by this tragedy.

Community members with information are asked to contact the Columbia Police Department at (931) 388-2727, by email at safetips@columbiatn.gov, or through direct message on the department’s official Facebook page at facebook.com/columbiapdtn.