NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The community has planned a candlelight vigil to honor the life of Matt Carney, a restauranteur killed in a June hit-and-run.
Carney was believed to have suffered serious head trauma when he was hit by a truck on June 19. He died from his injuries at Vanderbilt University Medical Center on July 4.
The celebration of life and candlelight vigil has been scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. at Carney's restaurant, Smokin Thighs. Carney started Smokin Thighs as a food truck in 2012 before opening the Wedgewood-Houston location in 2014. The restaurant invited customers and friends to join staff and honor the owner.
"We want nothing more than to gather as a community and let him feel the love and support he garnered during his time with us," the post announcing the vigil reads. "In addition, we want to raise awareness that justice has still not been found for the senseless act that resulted in this devastating loss."
Metro Police released surveillance footage of the truck involved in the fatal incident. Days later, authorities found the suspected vehicle in the parking lot of the LaQuinta Inn on Sidco Drive and impounded it. Officials added that the truck had been spray painted and had a temporary tag.
If you want to help Carney's family in the aftermath of his death, you are asked to visit Smokin Thighs and support his business, donate to this GoFundMe or contribute to this Meal Train. Smokin Thighs will be closed all day Thursday so that family can attend funeral services and so that staff can prepare for the vigil.
If you have any information about the driver of the vehicle that hit Carney, you are asked to call Nashville Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. More than $10,000 in reward money is being offered for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the driver.