Nashville Smokin Thighs restaurateur Matthew Carney dies days after hit and run

Matthew Carney, owner of Smokin Thighs, who was left injured after a hit and run outside his Wedgewood restaurant, has died.

"It is with a very heavy heart that we share the following news," according to a statement on the CaringBridge account set up to share updates about Carney's health. "Yesterday, July 4th, Matthew passed away due to complications associated with the injuries sustained in the hit-and-run incident that happened at his restaurant, Smokin Thighs, two weeks ago."

Carney was 42. He leaves behind his wife, Molly, and two dogs.

Metro Nashville police said Carney was hit June 19 at about 6 p.m. outside the restaurant. A speeding truck came from the rear of the restaurant and hit Carney, who was thrown off the truck into the road at Wedgewood Avenue, investigators said.

Ten days after the hit and run, police found what they believed to be the truck that hit Carney in the parking lot of the LaQuinta Inn on Sidco Drive, they announced, noting that the vehicle had been mostly spray painted and had a temporary tag.

Carney was left with head and chest trauma and was taken into surgery immediatley upon arrival to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

A fundraiser, organized by local business owners, raised almost $37,000 for Carney's medical expenses and a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a suspect in the hit and run.

No arrest has been made in connection with the case to date.

"No words describe the loss that Molly and his family are feeling right now. For us, his friends, we are in shock," according to the statement on CaringBridge. "Our fervent prayer and belief were that Matt would recover and this would just be a ‘story’ in his past he would have told tales about."

Carney was full of life, the statement said.

"His determination, passion, and sense of humor will be missed in ways we have yet to understand," the statement said.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Smokin Thighs restaurateur Matthew Carney dies days after hit and run