A talented young singer who rose to fame on “The Voice Kids” has passed away at 19 after a hit-and-run driver struck her while she was crossing a street in western Colombia, authorities reported on Tuesday.
Nicole Valeria Vargas Gomez and 40-year-old William Andres Paipa were killed on Saturday evening, February 21, along the Circasia-Armenia highway in Quindío. An unknown vehicle hit them around 8:30 p.m. as they were crossing the road after stepping out of a truck they had been working in. The impact launched both victims into the air and onto the other side of the roadway. Police later verified that the driver sped off without offering assistance.
Authorities issued a statement describing the deadly collision: “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 local security camera recordings to pinpoint the vehicle and driver responsible. The incident has triggered widespread anger, with community members calling for justice and better traffic oversight on nearby roads.
Vargas Gomez gained nationwide recognition in 2019 when she competed on “La Voz Kids” at only 12 years old. That season of the Colombian version of “The Voice Kids” featured coaches Andrés Cepeda, Sebastián Yatra, and Fanny Lu, along with hosts Alejandro Palacio and Laura Tobón. Although she did not reach the final stage, her performances earned her a devoted following that continued supporting her for years.
In the years after her TV appearance, Vargas Gomez continued honing her musical talents while balancing school and employment. She performed at festivals across Colombia’s Eje Cafetero region and stayed active on social media, frequently posting her singing videos and sharing memories from the show that launched her career.
At the time of her passing, she was in her fifth semester of Business Administration at the University of Quindío. She was also part of the university’s renowned vocal and choral ensemble, Coranto, where her musical abilities continued to stand out. Alongside her studies and artistic pursuits, she also worked as a brand ambassador for Aguardiente Antioqueño, Colombia’s best-selling anise-flavored liquor.
The University of Quindío shared a heartfelt message honoring the student. “Nicole was a young woman committed to her academic training and to the cultural life of our alma mater,” officials stated. “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 proudly represented the institution at every performance and cultural event. Rector Luis Fernando Polania joined faculty and students in mourning her loss and offering condolences to her family.
Vargas Gomez’s final social media post, shared just days before her death, featured her promoting Aguardiente Antioqueño at a local establishment. Her feed regularly showcased her performances throughout the region, reflecting her ongoing commitment to music and entertainment despite a demanding schedule of work and academics.
After news of the tragedy broke, tributes flooded in from fans and friends. Many commented on her last post, expressing sorrow and sympathy for her loved ones. One message captured the shared grief: “Now you’re going to bless all those angels with your voice.”
Circasia’s mayor, Julián Andrés Peña, expressed his condolences and solidarity with the singer’s family. Local outlets also noted that Vargas Gomez was the sister of the current Señorita Circasia pageant winner, intensifying the community’s mourning.
The tragedy occurred less than a year after another “The Voice Kids” performer passed away. Karen Silva, who reached the semifinals of the Brazilian edition at age 12, died at 17 on April 24, 2025, following a sudden hemorrhagic stroke. According to her father, she had shown no symptoms prior to collapsing.
William Andres Paipa, who died with Vargas Gomez in the crash, was a familiar figure in Circasia for his work in restaurants, bars, and the local entertainment scene. He and Vargas Gomez had reportedly been working together for a liquor company on the night of the incident. His loss has also prompted significant grief among his community and colleagues.
Police are continuing their efforts to find the fleeing driver and are urging anyone with information about the vehicle or the crash to come forward. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and gathering evidence in hopes of securing justice for both victims and their families.