A former contestant on the Colombian singing competition La Voz Kids and a university student were killed Saturday evening when they were struck by a vehicle that fled the scene, authorities said. The incident has prompted an outpouring of grief and a call for justice in the Quindío department.
Nicole Valeria Vargas, 19, and William Andrés Paipa, 40, were hit by what witnesses described as a “phantom car” while crossing the Circasia-Armenia road around 8:30 p.m. On February 21, according to local reports.
Investigators are working to identify the driver and the vehicle involved, and are collecting evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. The bodies have been sent to the Forensic Medicine Institute for analysis.
Vargas gained recognition in 2019 as a young contestant on La Voz Kids Colombia, showcasing her vocal talent. She was also a student at the University of Quindío, studying Business Administration.
The university expressed its condolences, noting that Vargas “brought brilliance to our vocal group Coranto and to the department of Quindío thanks to her masterful voice.” They added, “Today we bid farewell to our exemplary student, a passionate artist, and a human being who illuminated every space she shared with her voice and presence.”
Who was Nicole Valeria Vargas?
Nicole Valeria Vargas first became known to the public through her participation in La Voz Kids Colombia in 2019, where she impressed judges and audiences with her singing ability at the age of 12.
The deaths of Vargas and Paipa have sparked a wave of mourning and calls for justice on social media. The case underscores the dangers faced by pedestrians on roadways in the region. Authorities continue to seek information about the vehicle and driver involved in the fatal collision.
