Teen killed in Madison hit-and-run motorcycle crash, police say

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A motorcyclist died after a hit-and-run in Madison late Thursday night, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department.

A preliminary investigation indicates Jaxon Leasure, 17, was traveling south on Gallatin Pike on his Kawasaki Ninja in the center turn lane at a high rate of speed when a dark-colored GMC SUV was pulling out of 105 Gallatin Pike N. making a left turn, according to police.

The two vehicles crashed and Leasure was thrown from the motorcycle, and he hit a sign, police said. Leasure was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he died, according to MNPD.

“We heard the first bang, and we looked over and saw the motorcycle going across the road,” witness Rene Laizer said. “We thought he was passing but in reality whatever he hit sent him on his trajectory over there to that sign.”

Laizer ran from the gas station where he was parked to check on Leasure, but said the teen was unresponsive and not moving. When medics arrived on scene, he said they did CPR before taking him to the hospital.

It’s believed the dark-colored SUV initially stopped but left the scene prior to officers arriving, police said. Toxicology testing will be conducted to determine if impairment was a factor in the crash.

Metro Police said they are following active leads in the case. Anyone with information on the driver or vehicle involved in this fatal crash is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.

Copyright 2023 WSMV. All rights reserved.