Kata Hay, a former contestant on NBC’s singing competition “The Voice,” was arrested on December 17, 2025, in Oklahoma on an outstanding warrant for vehicular homicide. The arrest followed a multi-state law enforcement effort to locate and extradite her to Tennessee.
Hay, whose legal name is Kata Huddleston, is accused of involvement in a fatal crash that occurred earlier in December on Long Hollow Pike near Interstate 65 in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, within Davidson County.
Details of the Incident and Charges
Authorities allege that Hay was driving under the influence with an open container of alcohol in her vehicle. She reportedly struck two other vehicles in a hit-and-run and fled the scene.
One victim, 82-year-old Gayle Nichols, was struck during the incident and later died on December 12, 2025. Following Nichols’ death, Hay was charged with vehicular homicide.
Initially, on December 10, Hay faced charges including DUI, leaving the scene of an accident involving over $1,500 in damage, and possession of an open container. After Nichols passed away, an outstanding warrant for vehicular homicide was issued.
Arrest and Law Enforcement Response
The Goodlettsville Police Department shared a photo of Hay on December 18, 2025, during the manhunt. She was seen wearing a black-and-white prison jumpsuit in the image.
Hay was booked into the Osage County Jail on December 18, according to jail records. Law enforcement credited citizen tips, including those from TikTok users, for helping locate her after a “Be On the Lookout” (BOLO) alert was posted on social media.
Background and Previous Legal Issues
Hay was previously convicted of driving under the influence in Davidson County in 2017. At the time of her 2025 arrest, she was on probation for that offense.
In August 2022, she pleaded guilty to DUI charges and was sentenced to six months in jail, which she served. Additional conditions of her sentence included a mental health evaluation and participation in an intensive outpatient program.
Career on “The Voice”
Kata Hay appeared on season 10 of “The Voice” in 2016. After four unsuccessful attempts in previous seasons, she successfully auditioned by performing Gretchen Wilson’s “Redneck Woman.” She joined Christina Aguilera’s team after receiving positive feedback from the judges.
Hay advanced through the battle rounds and knockouts, reaching the Top 20 contestants. She was eliminated in the first week of the live playoffs on April 11, 2016, after performing Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”
Sources
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