NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A 26-year-old Mary Esther, Florida man was killed after he was run over by a tourist van in downtown Nashville.
Officers were called to the area of 4th Avenue North and Broadway at about 11:15 p.m. Tuesday.
Officials with Metro Nashville police said the man died after falling from a running board and then being run over by the van’s rear tire. Officials identified him as Jorge A. Hernandez.
Police said the Hernandez tried to get in the van while other tourists were boarding. The driver, 55-year-old Gregory Grden, of Skokie, Illinois, told him he didn’t belong in there – prompting the man to ask Grden if he wanted to fight.
Grden said he then told passengers to close the sliding door.
Police said the Hernandez hopped onto the running board and fell as the van left the parking lot. He was run over and fatally injured.
Grden said he didn’t realize he’d run over anyone and kept driving. He and the passengers returned to the scene after officers located them.
Police said Grden is fully cooperating with the investigation and showed no indication of impairment.
Toxicology testing will be conducted to determine whether alcohol or drugs were a factor in the 26-year-old’s actions.
