Two From Springfield Killed In Multi-Vehicle Crash on Whites Creek Pike
REPORT UPDATED
JOELTON, TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – A multi-vehicle crash on Whites Creek Pike (Highway 431) near Huffman Road has turned fatal, according to Metro Nashville Police. LOCATION OF CRASH
The crash, which occurred this morning, involved at least three vehicles, including a large dump truck, the first call coming into 911 at 7:50AM. Preliminary reports indicate the dump truck collided head-on with a passenger vehicle. At least one person lost their life in the crash.
UPDATE: Metro Nashville Police have identified the two men who lost their lives in Thursday morning’s crash on Whites Creek Pike as Andy O. Hernandez, 22, and Jonathan J. Palafox-Pacheco, 20, both of Springfield, Tennessee.
According to the preliminary investigation by Metro Nashville Police, a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu driven by Robin Bernard, 70, of Portland, Tennessee, (with Andy and Jonathan both as passengers) was traveling south on Whites Creek Pike when he failed to negotiate a curve near Sycamore Creek Road. The vehicle crossed into the northbound lanes, colliding with a GMC Sierra pickup truck. A dump truck, also traveling southbound, attempted to brake but was unable to avoid hitting the Malibu.
Palafox-Pacheco died at the scene, while Hernandez was transported to Skyline Medical Center, where he later passed away. Bernard was also taken to Skyline Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the GMC Sierra and a passenger were transported with non-life-threatening injuries. The dump truck driver was uninjured.
Police report no signs of impairment among the drivers. The investigation remains ongoing and will be reviewed by the District Attorney’s Office.
Photo Credit: Austin Dickerson
A GoFundMe has been set up to help with funeral expenses for Andy and Jonathan. The family tells Smokey Barn News that the pair both graduated from South Haven Christian School, Andy in 2020 and Jonathan in 2022. They were on their way to the airport inan Uber for spring break when the crash occurred.
“Help Us Honor Andy and Jonathan Palafox Pacheco’s Memory.
“With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved Andy and Jonathan Palafox Pachecho on 03/27/2025. They were a cherished brothers, whose kindness, love, and spirit touched everyone who knew them and they were taken from us too soon.
“As we navigate this difficult time, we are reaching out for support to cover funeral and memorial expenses. We want to give Andy and Jonathan the farewell they deserve, but the financial burden is overwhelming. Any contribution, no matter how small, will help ease the costs and allow us to focus on honoring their life. Please pray for our family during these difficult times. God bless. CLICK HERE TO DONATE
As their family prepares to lay them to rest, they have given us permission to share a special moment—Andy O. Hernandez, 22, and Jonathan J. Palafox-Pacheco, 20, of Springfield, singing Be Still, My Soul with a group of friends. The video, now included in our report, captures a heartfelt memory of the two young men. While the audio quality isn’t perfect, we have enhanced it for clarity.
South Haven Christian School released the following statement regarding former students Andy Hernandez and Jonathan Palafox…
It is with a heavy heart that I share the tragic news of the passing of two of our graduates, Andy Hernandez (Class of 2020) and his brother Jonathan Palafox (Class of 2023). The brothers lost their lives in a traffic accident on Highway 431 yesterday morning.
These two young men exemplified what it means to be servant leaders. Andy and Jonathan were active in the music department at South Haven Christian School, participating in several award-winning choirs and ensembles. Their musical talents extended beyond competitions—they used their gifts to serve in their church, lead worship, and bless others through their music.
Andy was a 2024 graduate of Pensacola Christian College and worked as a nurse at Vanderbilt Hospital. Jonathan attended Austin Peay University, where he was excelling as a leader on campus.
Andy and Jonathan will be deeply missed, and our hearts ache for their family. During this difficult time, I am reminded of the comforting words from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (KJV):
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Even as we grieve this tremendous loss, we take solace in knowing that, through our faith in Christ, we will see Andy and Jonathan again one day. Please keep their family in your prayers…..
This crash comes on the heels of another fatal accident that claimed the lives of two South Haven Christian School students in January. That tragedy took the lives of Jackson and Miah Mansfield. FULL STORY Now, with the passing of Andy O. Hernandez and Jonathan J. Palafox-Pacheco, South Haven Christian School is once again mourning the loss of two young lives.
