Councilwoman calls for safety improvements after TSU student killed on Gallatin Pike

Kendall Ashman
·2 min read
1

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – Nashville leaders are focusing on safety improvements after a Tennessee State University student was hit and killed on Gallatin Pike.

According to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), 20-year-old Chazan Page was hit by a red car or small SUV in the early morning hours of Sunday, April 14.

The driver took off and left him to die.

PREVIOUS: Driver sought after TSU athlete killed in hit-and-run crash on Gallatin Pike

“I just hope someone comes forward and speaks out and does the right thing,” said Jamie Graham, Lipscomb Academy head football coach said.

On Monday night, former coaches and friends remembered Page as the MNPD continues searching for the driver that hit and killed Page while he was crossing Gallatin Pike near Marion Avenue.

“We simply do not do enough enforcement on Gallatin pike. I need more of a police presence here giving people tickets,” Councilwoman Emily Benedict, who oversees District 7, said.

Speeding is a top concern for Benedict. The MNPD said the car that hit Page was driving at a high rate of speed. According to police, this crash is the eighth deadly pedestrian crash in Nashville this year.

RELATED: Lipscomb Academy remembers TSU football player Chazan Page

“The speed limit is 40 in this section of Gallatin, but I think it should be 35,” Benedict said.

It was in July of 2022 when News 2 reported on an accident across the street from the accident scene. A speeding driver hit and injured a family.

“Gallatin Pike continues to become more dangerous with pedestrians. We are not the most dangerous in the city, but we are getting there,” Benedict said.

After Page’s death, Benedict said she will continue to advocate for more safety improvements as the Nashville Department of Transportation (NDOT) plans to repave Gallatin Pike.

| READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County

“And then when we do that, I anticipate we will see changes with the striping. I hope we will see added crosswalks, but at a minimum, I want to see us eliminate the turn lane as much as possible,” Benedict said.

If you know anything about the crash, you are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.