NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A driver was killed Tuesday morning on Interstate 24 near downtown Nashville after a piece of concrete went through his windshield, police said.
The incident happened about 5 a.m. near Shelby Avenue, according to Metro Nashville police. Investigators believe the concrete was "likely thrown" from a bridge. The victim was identified as 54-year-old Joe C. Shelton Jr.
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MNPD investigating today's 4:54 a.m. death of Joe C. Shelton Jr., 54, on I-24 east near downtown after this chunk of concrete, likely thrown from the Shelby Av Bridge, went thru his windshield. Know who may have done this? 615-742-7463. pic.twitter.com/ehEOPXnfM6
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) November 20, 2018
The chunk of concrete landed in the windshield of Shelton's Nissan GT-R sports car and hit him in the face, reports WSMV. After Shelton was hit, his vehicle sideswiped a pickup truck and guardrail before coming to a stop. He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
Bridge inspectors determined that the chunk of concrete was not part of the bridge's structure and instead resembled part of a roadway curb.
Shelton was on his way to work at a Nissan plant when he was killed. The company released the following statement:
We are saddened to learn of Joe’s passing. Our deepest sympathies are with his family members, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.
Investigators in Nashville are now reviewing surveillance footage in hopes of identifying a suspect.