WEHO Stands with Smokin Thights
Dear Neighbors,
It is with a heavy heart that I must share devastating news with our community. Yesterday, July 4th, we lost our dear friend and neighbor, Matthew Carney, due to complications from injuries sustained in a hit-and-run incident at his restaurant, Smokin Thighs, on the evening of Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
Background:
On that fateful night, Matt sustained serious chest and head trauma in the parking lot of Smokin Thighs. He was rushed to Vanderbilt Medical Center for emergency surgery to reduce brain swelling. Despite initial positive responses to treatment, Matt remained in critical condition on a ventilator. Tragically, after a courageous two-week battle, he succumbed to his injuries.
We are immensely grateful to the staff at Smokin Thighs for their quick response, as well as the paramedics, emergency room providers, surgeons, and all staff at Vanderbilt Medical Center who fought tirelessly for Matt's life.
Words cannot express the depth of this loss, especially for Matt's wife, Molly, and his family. As his friends and community, we are in shock. We had all hoped and prayed for Matt's recovery, believing this would become just another story in his rich tapestry of life.
Matt was a force of nature - full of life, determination, and passion, with a sense of humor that brightened our days. The absence of his vibrant presence will be felt in ways we have yet to fully comprehend.
How You Can Help:
As we process this tragic news, here's how we can support Molly and Matt's family:
1. Keep Molly and Matt's family in your thoughts, and prayers if you are a person of faith, as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
2. Visit Smokin Thighs at 611 Wedgewood Ave to support Matt's legacy and business.
3. Contribute to the GoFundMe page. Initially set up to offer a $10,000 reward for information leading to the identification of the hit-and-run driver, all funds raised will now go directly to Molly to help with mounting medical bills and expenses .https://www.gofundme.com/f/matthew-matt-carney
4. Provide meals through the established Meal Train or send UberEats gift cards to careforMatt@bhcinvestments.com.
Investigation Update:
The investigation into the incident continues to progress. Robert Young and his team are working closely with Metro Nashville PD and feel they are getting very close to identifying the vehicle's driver. We are incredibly grateful to them, the detectives, news channels, and various publications for their efforts to bring justice for Matt and Molly.
We ask that everyone respect the family's need for privacy as they process their grief. Updates on memorial services will be shared when available.
In these dark times, let us come together as a community to honor Matt's memory and support those he loved most. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, brings light to this tragedy and provides crucial support for Molly during this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Chad
