Raquel Lorena Sarabia Barajas Obituary, Death Cause – A tragic head-on collision in Nashville over the weekend has claimed the life of 37-year-old Raquel Lorena Sarabia Barajas, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD). Authorities identified Barajas as the passenger who was killed in a Sunday morning crash involving a Maserati and a Nissan Rogue.
The incident occurred around 3:25 a.m. on Bell Road near Harris Hills Lane. Investigators reported that a Maserati SQ4, driven by 36-year-old Julio Ceasar Herrera Gonzalez, was traveling westbound when it crossed into the oncoming eastbound lanes. The vehicle collided head-on with a Nissan Rogue, which had Barajas as a passenger. The impact caused severe damage to both vehicles and resulted in significant injuries.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, and both drivers were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. The driver of the Nissan suffered injuries, while Gonzalez, the Maserati driver, sustained only minor wounds. Sadly, Barajas did not survive the crash.
Police say their preliminary investigation indicates that impairment played a role in the collision. While being treated at the hospital, Gonzalez exhibited clear signs of intoxication. Further investigation revealed that he was also driving without a valid license at the time of the crash.
Authorities confirmed that once Gonzalez is discharged from the hospital, he will face multiple charges, including vehicular homicide for the death of Barajas, vehicular assault for the injuries caused to the Nissan’s driver, driving under the influence (DUI), and operating a vehicle without a license. MNPD has emphasized that the severity of the incident is compounded by the suspected impairment and illegal driving status of the Maserati’s driver.
The crash led to temporary road closures along Bell Road as investigators worked to document the scene and gather evidence. Police used the time to conduct a thorough examination of vehicle positions, skid marks, and debris patterns to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the deadly collision.
Authorities have not yet released information about the condition of the Nissan’s driver, though they confirmed that their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
The incident has drawn attention to the dangers of impaired driving and reckless behavior on the road. MNPD has urged drivers to exercise caution, avoid driving under the influence, and always ensure they have proper licensing and insurance. They also reminded the public that DUI offenses carry severe penalties in Tennessee, particularly when they result in death or serious injury.
Barajas’s death adds to the growing number of traffic fatalities in Nashville this year, many of which have been linked to alcohol or drug impairment. Police officials expressed condolences to her family and stressed their commitment to pursuing justice in the case.
The investigation remains active as authorities await toxicology results and continue to gather witness statements. Once Gonzalez is released from medical care, he will be booked into custody and formally charged for his role in the fatal crash.
