COLUMBIA, Tenn. — The Columbia Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance as detectives investigate a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of 63-year-old Teresa Nelson, a local resident, early Thursday morning.
Just before 5:00 a.m. on September 11, officers responded to reports of a pedestrian lying in the roadway on Tom J. Hitch Parkway near the River Highlands Apartments. Upon arrival, police discovered Nelson deceased at the scene. Authorities say the driver involved fled immediately after the collision, leaving her in the roadway.
Detectives have since pieced together a preliminary timeline. Nelson was last seen at her residence at approximately 4:30 a.m. Emergency services were alerted to the incident just 20 minutes later, at 4:50 a.m., narrowing the window in which the fatal crash occurred. Investigators believe the driver may have been traveling through the area during the predawn hours and are working to identify the vehicle involved.
The Columbia Police Department, in partnership with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, is actively examining evidence, reviewing surveillance footage, and seeking witnesses who may have been in the area at the time. Authorities emphasized that even seemingly minor observations—such as unusual vehicle damage, erratic driving behavior, or information about cars recently seen near Tom J. Hitch Parkway—could prove crucial in solving the case.
“The loss of Teresa Nelson is a devastating tragedy for her family, friends, and our community,” the Columbia Police Department said in a statement. “We are committed to bringing accountability and justice in this case, and we urge anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward.”
Community members with information are encouraged to contact the Columbia Police Department by phone at (931) 388-2727, by email at safetips@columbiatn.gov, or through a direct message on the department’s official Facebook page at facebook.com/columbiapdtn. Callers may remain anonymous if they choose.
The department also extended its condolences to Nelson’s family and loved ones, assuring them that every available resource is being dedicated to the investigation.
The case remains open and under active investigation.
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