One of the former contestants from The Voice Kids has died after being struck by a car in what police believe was a hit-and-run.
Nicole Valeria Vargas Gomez, 19, appeared on the Colombian edition of the programme in 2019, when she was 12.
Authorities said Gomez and a second pedestrian, identified as 40-year-old William Andrew Paipa, were crossing a road when they were hit by a vehicle, which reportedly sent both of them into the air.
Police allege the driver did not stop, leaving the scene immediately after the collision.
In an official statement, police 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.”
The University of Quindio, where Gomez was studying Business Administration, also issued a message following her death.
The University of Quindio wrote: “Nicole was a young woman committed to her academic training and to the cultural life of our alma mater.
“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 added [translated]: “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.”
Investigators are continuing efforts to identify and locate the vehicle involved.
As news of the incident spread, tributes and condolences have been shared online for Gomez and Paipa.
One person wrote on X [translated]: “Strength to your entire family. It hurts a lot when it’s a young person.”
Con profundo dolor, el rector @LuisferPolania, la dirección de @BienestarINS, demás directivos, docentes y estudiantes lamentamos el fallecimiento de Nicole Valeria Vargas Gómez y nos unimos en oración por su eterno descanso. ✝️ pic.twitter.com/ixrDvNyyOv
— Uniquindío (@Uniquindio) February 22, 2026
While another said: “… Now you will bless all those angels with your voice. Strength to your whole family and peace in your soul.”
The reports come as authorities in Chile have also been responding to a separate major road incident that left four people dead and 17 injured.
In that crash, video from Santiago appeared to show a liquid gas tanker overturned on a motorway.
A dense plume of smoke was visible before the sound of an explosion could be heard.
Firefighters said at least 50 vehicles were affected by the blast.
Describing the scene, a witness told 24 Horas: “We couldn’t get people out of the cars, but we were able to rescue one or two people who were burned on the pavement.”