A rising young singer who won hearts on “The Voice Kids” has died at 19 after being struck by a hit-and-run driver while crossing a street in western Colombia, authorities said on Tuesday.
Nicole Valeria Vargas Gomez and 40-year-old William Andres Paipa were killed on the evening of Saturday, February 21, on the Circasia-Armenia road in Quindío when an unknown vehicle hit them at around 8:30 p.m. The two had just exited a truck they had been working from and were crossing the road to move some belongings when a car suddenly appeared and struck them, throwing both victims into the air and onto the opposite side of the roadway. Police confirmed that the driver fled without offering aid.
Authorities issued a statement outlining the fatal incident: “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 analyzing surveillance footage from the area and working to identify both the vehicle and the driver responsible. The case has caused outrage within the community, where residents are demanding justice and stronger traffic enforcement on local roads.
Vargas Gomez first gained national recognition in 2019 when she appeared on “La Voz Kids” at the age of 12. That season of Colombia’s “The Voice Kids” included coaches Andrés Cepeda, Sebastián Yatra, and Fanny Lu, and was hosted by Alejandro Palacio and Laura Tobón. Although Vargas Gomez did not reach the final round, her performances helped her build a loyal following that continued to support her over the years.
In the years after her television debut, Vargas Gomez remained dedicated to music while balancing schoolwork and jobs. She performed at festivals throughout Colombia’s Eje Cafetero region and kept her social media active, often sharing videos of her singing and memories from the show that first brought her into the public eye.
At the time of her passing, Vargas Gomez was in her fifth semester of Business Administration at the University of Quindío. She was also part of Coranto, the university’s well-known vocal and choral ensemble, where her talents continued to stand out. In addition to her studies and music, she worked as a brand ambassador for Aguardiente Antioqueño, the top-selling anise-flavored liquor in Colombia.
The University of Quindío issued a moving tribute honoring their late 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 university added that as a member of Coranto, she carried the institution’s name with pride at every performance and cultural event. Rector Luis Fernando Polania joined staff and students in mourning her loss and in offering prayers for her loved ones.
Vargas Gomez’s final social media post, shared just days before her death, featured her promoting Aguardiente Antioqueño at a local establishment. Her other recent posts highlighted her performances around the region, showing her steadfast passion for music and entertainment despite the demands of work and school.
After news of her death became public, fans and friends filled her social media with tributes. Many comments appeared on her last post, expressing sorrow and condolences. One follower summed up the feelings of many: “Now you’re going to bless all those angels with your voice.”
The mayor of Circasia, Julián Andrés Peña, shared his sadness over the young singer’s passing and expressed solidarity with her family. Local outlets reported that Vargas Gomez was the sister of the current Señorita Circasia beauty queen, deepening the town’s grief.
This tragedy comes less than a year after another “The Voice Kids” contestant died. Karen Silva, who made it to the semifinals of the Brazilian edition at age 12, passed away at 17 on April 24, 2025, after a sudden hemorrhagic stroke. Her father said she had shown no symptoms before collapsing.
William Andres Paipa, who died with Vargas Gomez in the crash, was well known in Circasia for his work in restaurants, bars, and the local entertainment industry. Sources say the two were working together for a liquor company on the night of the accident. His death has also brought an outpouring of grief from friends and colleagues.
Police continue searching for the driver who fled the scene and are urging anyone with information about the vehicle or incident to come forward. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and collecting evidence as they work to seek justice for both victims and their families.