Tim Wedlock, Nashville: Australian Insurance Legend Killed in Lower Broadway Crosswalk Tragedy

Tim Wedlock spent nearly four decades building a respected career in Australia. Just a week after marking his 39th anniversary with AEI Insurance Broking Group, he took a trip to the United States. He ended up in downtown Nashville on a warm Saturday afternoon, walking through one of the city’s busiest entertainment districts.

​Just after 12:30 p.m. at Fourth Avenue and Broadway, Wedlock stepped into the crosswalk with three other pedestrians. They had the walk signal and were crossing legally while traffic stopped. Without warning, a 2013 Ford Fusion ran the red light and drove straight into the crowd.

​Bystanders and first responders hurried to the intersection on Lower Broadway as paramedics worked on the injured. Wedlock was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center with severe injuries. Medical staff tried to save him, but the 58-year-old executive died shortly after arriving.

​Three other pedestrians crossing with Wedlock were also rushed to the hospital. A 44-year-old man from Jacksonville, Florida, remained in critical condition. A 58-year-old woman from Parsons, Tennessee, was listed in critical but stable condition, while a 21-year-old woman from Knoxville suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

​Back in Australia, news of Wedlock’s death hit his colleagues hard. As executive chairman of AEI Insurance Broking Group and a former president of the National Insurance Brokers Association, Wedlock was widely known across his industry. Friends and coworkers remembered him as a generous leader who spent decades helping younger professionals build their careers.

​Company leaders remembered Wedlock as the heart of their business, saying he brought endless energy to work every day. He leaves behind his wife, Prue, and two children, Matt and Ash, who are now dealing with an unexpected loss thousands of miles away.

​Metro Nashville Police investigators are continuing to review what happened during the crash. For Wedlock’s family and friends across Australia, the sudden loss leaves a quiet place that will take a long time to heal.