A remarkable vocal talent, Nicole Valeria Vargas Gómez, whose star-studded journey on Colombia's 'The Voice Kids' season four in 2019 left a lasting impression, tragically departed too soon. She was just 19 years old when a hit-and-run incident in the department of Quindío claimed her life, along with that of 40-year-old William Andrew Paipa. The duo was struck by an unidentified vehicle as they crossed the road, with the impact throwing them into the air, as reported by multiple local media outlets citing local police.
"A tragic traffic accident involving a vehicle that struck two pedestrians while they were crossing the road in the restaurant area of El Solar has left us with a heavy heart," authorities stated in a Feb. 24 announcement to Unilad. "The victims have been identified as William Andres Paipa and Nicole Valeria Vargas Gómez."
Following the devastating crash, investigators are diligently searching for the vehicle involved, as reported by various media outlets.
Gómez's journey with music began as a baby, when her late grandmother would sing to her. Her musical talents were eventually discovered in school, quite unexpectedly. "I got locked in a school bathroom and my teacher grew concerned because I hadn't shown up," she recalled during her blind audition, translated from Spanish. "She went looking for me, and instead of crying, I started singing. She had to listen in every bathroom stall to find out where I was."
Gómez explained that she "fell in love" with Colombian genres like pasillo and bamboo music while also becoming immersed in the world of hip-hop dance, adding, "I go from one extreme to the other in music."
After her time on the reality series, Gómez pursued studies in business administration at the University of Quindío, where she also participated in the school's vocal group. "Both in the classroom and on stage, she left her mark through her discipline, sensitivity, and deep love for the arts," the university said in a statement on X on Feb. 22, translated from Spanish. "Today we bid farewell to an exemplary student, a passionate artist, and a human being who illuminated every space she shared with her voice and presence."
