A promising young singer who captured hearts on “The Voice Kids” has died at 19 after a hit-and-run driver struck her while she was crossing a street in western Colombia, authorities said Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Nicole Valeria Vargas Gomez and 40-year-old William Andres Paipa died Saturday evening, February 21, on the Circasia-Armenia road in Quindío when an unidentified vehicle struck them around 8:30 p.m. The victims had just stepped out of a truck where they had been working and were crossing the road to move some items when a car appeared out of nowhere and hit them, throwing both into the air and onto the opposite side of the roadway. Police confirmed the driver fled without stopping to help.
Law enforcement officials released a statement describing the fatal crash: “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.”
Investigators are reviewing security camera footage from the area and working to identify the vehicle and driver responsible for the deadly crash. The case has sparked outrage in the community, with residents demanding justice and greater traffic enforcement on local roads.
Vargas Gomez rose to national attention in 2019 when she appeared on “La Voz Kids” at just 12 years old. The Colombian edition of “The Voice Kids” featured coaches Andrés Cepeda, Sebastián Yatra, and Fanny Lu that season, with hosts Alejandro Palacio and Laura Tobón. Though Vargas Gomez did not advance to the final round, her performances helped her build a loyal fanbase that followed her journey for years to come.
In the years following her television debut, Vargas Gomez continued pursuing her passion for music while balancing academic commitments and work. She performed at festivals across Colombia’s Eje Cafetero region and maintained an active social media presence, regularly sharing videos of her interpretations and memories from the competition that launched her into the spotlight.
At the time of her death, Vargas Gomez was in her fifth semester studying Business Administration at the University of Quindío. She was also a member of Coranto, the university’s prestigious vocal and choral group, where her talent continued to shine. Beyond her studies and music, she worked as a brand ambassador for Aguardiente Antioqueño, Colombia’s top-selling anise-flavored liqueur.
The University of Quindío released a heartfelt tribute honoring their fallen student. “Nicole was a young woman committed to her academic training and to the cultural life of our alma mater,” officials said. “From the classrooms and also from the stages, she left her mark through her discipline, sensitivity, and deep love for art.”
The institution added that as a member of Coranto, she carried the university’s name with honor to every performance and cultural event. Rector Luis Fernando Polania joined faculty and students in mourning her passing and offering prayers for her family.
Vargas Gomez’s most recent social media post, published just days before her death, showed her promoting Aguardiente Antioqueño at a local venue. Her other posts consistently highlighted her performances at various events throughout the region, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to music and entertainment despite her demanding schedule of work and studies.
Following news of the tragedy, tributes poured in from fans and loved ones. Many comments appeared on her final post, with supporters expressing grief and offering condolences to her family. One fan captured the sentiment shared by many: “Now you’re going to bless all those angels with your voice.”
The mayor of Circasia, Julián Andrés Peña, expressed his sorrow over the young singer’s death and sent a message of solidarity to her family. Local media reported that Vargas Gomez was the sister of the current Señorita Circasia beauty queen, deepening the community’s grief.
The tragedy comes less than a year after another “The Voice Kids” star died. Karen Silva, who reached the semifinals on the Brazilian version of the show at age 12, died at 17 on April 24, 2025, after suffering a sudden hemorrhagic stroke. Silva had shown no signs of illness before collapsing, her father told Brazilian media.
William Andres Paipa, who died alongside Vargas Gomez in Saturday’s crash, was well known in Circasia for his work in restaurants, bars, and the local entertainment industry. Sources indicate the two were working together for a liquor company on the night of the accident. His death has also generated an outpouring of grief among friends and colleagues in the community.
Police continue their search for the driver who fled the scene, urging anyone with information about the vehicle or incident to come forward. Authorities are examining surveillance footage and gathering evidence as they work to bring justice for both victims and their grieving families.
