A Sydney insurance executive has been killed after an elderly driver allegedly ran a red light and mowed down several pedestrians in downtown Nashville, in the US.
Tim Wedlock, who was the executive chairman of AEI Insurance Broking Group in North Sydney, was among a group of pedestrians crossing the road in the city’s downtown area when a car allegedly ran a red light and ploughed into them.
Video of the incident shows a white Ford speeding through the busy intersection of Broadway and 4th Avenue, striking the victims.
Wedlock suffered critical injuries and was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center but died soon after arrival, according to local media reports.
Three other pedestrians – a 44-year-old man and two women, aged 21 and 58 – were also injured.
According to Metro Nashville Police, the car was allegedly being driven by 87-year-old Thomas Cahill, from Kentucky, who was travelling with his 90-year-old wife and her caregiver.
‘His 2013 model Ford Fusion struck pedestrians in the crosswalk, fatally injuring one of them and causing serious injuries to three others,’ a police statement said.
Police also said that at the time of the incident Cahill ‘did not show any signs of impairment’.
Wedlock has been described as ‘unfailingly generous’ by his colleagues
Both Cahill and his wife were hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries.
A spokesperson for AEI said the company was ‘deeply saddened’ by the news of Wedlock’s passing, describing the award-winning insurance broker as an ‘unfailingly generous’ person who displayed professionalism and integrity.
Managing director and chief executive Noel Kelly took to LinkedIn to pay tribute to Wedlock.
‘Tim was a cornerstone of AEI and a legend of this industry,’ he said.
‘Thirty-nine years in, he still had more energy than anyone in the room.
‘He gave his time freely, to our people … to anyone who asked. We have lost a leader and a mentor but most of all we have lost a mate.’
Gordon Rugby Club, on Sydney’s north shore, also posted a tribute to Wedlock. He was a former player with more than 200 caps, a board member and a club sponsor.
‘Tim was the epitome of what Gordon Rugby stands for. A wonderful person, respected by all, a man who was forever positive, supportive, and there when it counted,’ said President Matt Glascott.
Wedlock pictured in American garb. He was reportedly travelling with his family when the accident occurred
The shattered windscreen of the Ford Fusion involved in the accident
‘I cannot think of any person who was prouder to be a member of the Gordon Rugby family.
‘Vale Tim, you will be missed; however, all of us at Gordon Rugby are better people for having enjoyed your company, your advice and, most importantly, your friendship.’
Wedlock is survived by his wife, Prue, and children Matt and Ash.
Willoughby councillor Robert Samuel wrote on Facebook that Wedlock – a former schoolmate of his – had been travelling with his family when the incident occurred.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell described the event as ‘incredibly tragic’.
‘Right now, it’s unclear why the 87-year-old driver failed to stop for the pedestrians in the crosswalk,’ he wrote on Facebook.
‘Our main goals now are to take care of the victims and to keep everyone else safe.’
