NASHVILLE, Tenn (WTVF) — One month into the new year and Nashville has already seen five people lose their lives in pedestrian crashes. One of them was 56-year-old Kenneth Urbach.
Officers say Urbach, was hit by two cars when crossing Gallatin Pike at Ardee Avenue around 8:30 p.m. Urbach was crossing the street near his home when he was hit by a Chevrolet Camero and a speeding four-door silver sedan.
The driver of the Camaro stopped to help Urbach, but the driver of the sedan did not stop. Urbach died at the scene.
His family is asking lawmakers for changes to make Metro safer for pedestrians. Chance Urbach, the victim's son, says the city needs more sidewalks, longer light times on crosswalks and speed reductions.
"That’s why we’re trying to speak out and get some changes done anyway we can to help with the community and to let people know these are people’s lives, these are people’s live being ruined," Urbach said.
Urbach says his father won't be able to see his grandchildren grow up and his kids grow older. He says he wants to keep sharing his father's story in order to prevent this from happening to any other families.
"It’s a huge loss to our family and a lot of people who knew him; there’s nobody who met my dad who didn’t love him," he said.
Organizations like Walk Bike Nashville are working with city leaders to implement and address changes to make walking and biking safer for everyone. The group is also starting a support group calledFamilies for Safe Streets (FSS) Nashville.
This group is for people who have lost loved ones while walking or biking in Nashville and for those that have been injured in a crash as a pedestrian or bicycle rider. The group is designed to provide a community of support for victims and loved ones.
The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 26 from 6-8 p.m. at the East Park Community Center; the meeting is free to attend.
Family members have set up a GoFundMe to help cover final expenses.
