NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A 19-year-old employee with Metro Public Works has died after being crushed by a garbage truck in downtown Nashville.
The incident happened around 11 p.m. Tuesday, when sanitation crews were on their overnight shift.
Authorities have identified the 19-year-old as Chandler Harris.
According to reports, Harris was standing on the back of the truck with his co-worker, 57-year-old Gary Harrington. Officials said Harris was on the passenger side, and Harrington was on the driver's side.
The driver of the truck, 58-year-old Larry Trenary, backed into an alley near 5th Avenue North and Commerce Street.
Harris was pinned between the truck and wall before falling under the rear passenger tires. He died at the scene.
The victim's co-worker began yelling at the driver to stop. Unfortunately, the victim was then driven over a second time.
According to authorities, Harris was relatively new to the job.
So far though, officials with the Metro Nashville Police Department said they are not planning on filing any charges after what they called a tragic accident.
“It's always a tragedy whenever accidents like this happen,” said Metro Police Capt. Jason Starling. “Unfortunately, in any line of work, there's always a potential for things like this to happen, it's just a sad thing.”
Investigators were working to determine exactly what happened during the incident.
Officials with Metro Public Works issued a statement saying, "Our hearts and prayers are with his family on their loss. The investigation is ongoing."
Mayor Karl Dean released the following statement:
“Our hearts go out to Chandler Harris’s family and friends, including his father, another dedicated Metro employee. Chandler died tragically while serving our city. We value the work he did, and we grieve the loss of his life.”
Authorities said there was no evidence of drugs or alcohol.
