Update:
On Wednesday, MNPD identified the pedestrian killed in Monday’s crash at East Trinity Lane and Gallatin Pike as 58-year-old Billy Ray Swaner of Nashville.
The Contributor, the Nashville-based newspaper where Swaner regularly worked as a vendor, shared a tribute Tuesday:
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A pedestrian died after he was hit by a semi-truck at the intersection of East Trinity Lane and Gallatin Pike on Monday afternoon.
According to Metro police, a 58-year-old man was walking on the sidewalk before stumbling and falling into the roadway. The semi-truck was in the process of making a right turn onto Gallatin Pike when the pedestrian fell into the road, and the driver hit him.
While police haven't yet identified the victim, one man claims it was his best friend.
"He was my best friend. I talked to him more than my own brother and my own father. I feel like I lost my dad today," he said.
"Slept in front of the liquor store. For years, worked for the Contributor, religiously," he went on. "You could set your watch to it, 4:30 every day, with newspapers in his hand."
He also said he was one of the last people to see him alive, and the final thing he told him was that he loved him.
Police said another crash happened at the same intersection in 2022.
Beyond that, Metro Police said the two roadways involved — East Trinity Lane and Gallatin Pike — are major areas for accidents.
Metro police add that the driver of the truck remained at the scene. Efforts are being made to contact the victim's family.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email us at newsroom@newschannel5.com
As we honor those who have served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice, it is also heartening to see the military right a wrong. Chris Davis brings us the moving story of a Purple Heart ceremony two decades in the making. It's worth a watch.
A heartfelt thanks to all who bravely serve.
- Carrie Sharp
