NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Police have dialed up their efforts into an investigation of a pedestrian struck and killed on Interstate 40 this week. They are now including the homicide unit.
Nashville police said Austin S. David, 22, of Mt. Juliet, died on I-40 East between the Donelson Pike and Stewarts Ferry Pike exits. Officers located him at 11:15 a.m. Police said it is unknown when the collision occurred, although it may have happened as early as 2 a.m.
A woman told NewsChannel 5 she called 911 about David's body on the roadway, a little before 2 a.m.
The caller said she initially thought it was a deer until she realized it was a man's body. She wanted to remain anonymous.
"The car in front of us ran over something like a speed bump and we veered over to the left. I looked and there’s where a body was in the road.”
Right now, the Metro Nashville Police Department Fatal Crash team and homicide unit are trying to figure out how and why he was on the interstate. MNPD confirmed a call was made to 911 about this at 1:55 a.m.
Since the incident, they have found, towed and impounded a vehicle they think is related to the investigation.
"It continues to be analyzed. The lead officer from the Traffic Division, a veteran fatal crash investigator, continues to be an active participant in the ongoing work," spokesperson Don Aaron said.
His mother, Rachel Reed, learned her son was in a car with a friend returning home from Nashville on I-40 and that there was an argument. One way or the other, she said her son was either willingly dropped off or forced from the vehicle there on the shoulder of the interstate in the middle of the night.
NewsChannel 5 is told that his friend has hired a lawyer.
It's still not clear how or exactly when he was hit or by whom. There is no TDOT camera video footage because they do not record.
Austin's stepdad Harrison Reed hopes police can figure out what happened to his stepson and why his body was left on the interstate.
"At this point, they’re the resource," Reed said. "We can’t make an arrest or bring someone to trial. They’re going to have to do their due diligence and collect the information, get ducks in a row and nail this guy."
A GoFundMe has been started to help with funeral expenses.
Anyone with information about this deadly crash is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email aaron.cantrell@newschannel5.com.
We all know Dolly Parton as a Tennessee treasure, I believe Mr. Jimmy Wren might join her. In honoring his 101st birthday, we got to know this WWII veteran and Orlinda native. His stories are captivating, and he'll leave you in stitches. Enjoy this story from Chris Davis and photojournalist, Catherine Steward.
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