Father Of Baby Killed In Car Crash Says Deer Crossed Path Before Accident

The Metro Nashville Police Department is investigating a fatal vehicle crash that claimed the life of a 4-month-old baby along Bell Road early Friday morning.

Messiah Hensley was identified by police as the infant killed after the 2008 Ford Focus he was traveling in struck a rock wall near Couchville Pike at around 1:50 a.m., according to a news release on MNPD's official website.

The child's father reportedly told police a deer crossed his path, causing him to turn out and exit the roadway, however, the department said there was no evidence of a deer's involvement when they investigated the scene of the crash. Crews from the Nashville Fire Department reported finding the father in the driver's seat with the baby on his lap upon arrival to extricate him.

The father reportedly told police officers the child was in a safety seat at the time of the crash, but officers said they found the seat wasn't fastened when they inspected the vehicle. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact injuries causing the infant's death.

The 21-year-old father was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Police said there was no indication of alcohol or drug involvement at the scene.

The completed crash investigation will be staffed with the District Attorney's Office for a determination as to whether the father will be charged.

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