Motorcyclist Killed in Nashville Crash Identified

Police say a Ford Escape turned into the path of the victim's Harley Davidson motorcycle on Bell Road.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:55am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged motorcycle part, such as a shattered mirror or crumpled fender, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a serious motorcycle accident.A recent spate of fatal motorcycle crashes in Nashville has renewed calls for improved driver awareness and safety measures to protect vulnerable road users.Today in Nashville

The Metro Nashville Police Department has identified the motorcyclist killed in a crash on Friday afternoon along Bell Road as 59-year-old Randall Abernathy Sr. of Nashville. The preliminary investigation indicates Abernathy was traveling south on his Harley Davidson motorcycle when a 2017 Ford Escape turned onto Bell Road from Nashboro Boulevard and hit the motorcycle. Abernathy was taken to the hospital where he died.

Why it matters

Motorcycle crashes are a major public safety concern in Nashville, with the city seeing a rise in fatal motorcycle accidents in recent years. This incident highlights the need for increased driver awareness and safety measures to protect vulnerable road users like motorcyclists.

The details

According to police, the crash happened around 3:30 p.m. on Friday, April 10 at the intersection of Bell Road and Nashboro Boulevard. The Ford Escape driver, whose name has not been released, turned right on red but it's unclear if Abernathy had the right of way or was traveling straight in a right-turn lane. Neither driver showed signs of impairment, and the investigation is ongoing.

  • The crash occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026.
  • Randall Abernathy Sr. was pronounced dead at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

The players

Randall Abernathy Sr.

A 59-year-old Nashville resident who was killed when his Harley Davidson motorcycle was struck by a turning Ford Escape.

Ford Escape Driver

The driver of the 2017 Ford Escape that turned into the path of Abernathy's motorcycle, causing the fatal crash. The driver's name has not been released.

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What’s next

The Metro Nashville Police Department is continuing its investigation into the crash to determine if any charges will be filed against the Ford Escape driver.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the importance of driver vigilance, especially when making turns, to prevent devastating crashes with vulnerable road users like motorcyclists. It also highlights the need for ongoing efforts to improve motorcycle safety and reduce fatalities in Nashville.