Crime & Safety
Davidson County, TN Bar Fight Leaves Atlanta Man Dead, Police Investigate
Nashville, TN – A 45 year old Atlanta man has died following a physical confrontation outside a downtown Nashville bar early Sunday morning, prompting an investigation by homicide detectives into an a
By Tessa Morgan · 2026-10-26T16:04:54.742Z
Nashville, TN – A 45 year old Atlanta man has died following a physical confrontation outside a downtown Nashville bar early Sunday morning, prompting an investigation by homicide detectives into an altercation involving punches and an alleged chokehold.
According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department in an October 25 release, the incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. outside a bar on 2nd Avenue North.
Police identified the deceased man as Torey Ward, 45, of Atlanta, Georgia.
Investigators said the confrontation began after Ward's girlfriend encountered Keith King Jr., 37, of Nashville, inside the establishment while Ward was in the bathroom.
When Ward returned, a verbal argument developed between the individuals, prompting bar employees to ask the entire group to leave.
Once outside, a physical confrontation began between Ward and King.
Based on witness accounts, detectives said King allegedly punched Ward and held him in a chokehold during the altercation.
King reportedly told investigators that his actions were motivated by fear for his own safety.
Ward's girlfriend told police she had attempted to intervene after witnessing Ward strike King several times in the chest while they were still inside the bar.
She also reported being injured by an unidentified woman associated with King's group of friends during the confrontation outside.
Ward was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he later died.
Police said the Medical Examiner's Office will determine his official cause of death.
As of the October 25 announcement, no criminal charges had been filed against King.
Homicide detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and plan to present their findings to the Davidson County District Attorney's Office.
Authorities have not announced whether additional individuals could face charges.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to determine the circumstances surrounding Ward's death.