NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — With profound sorrow, family, friends, coworkers, and community members are mourning the loss of Paris Carlock, 55, of Murfreesboro, who died after being struck by a bullet while working inside a Sam’s Club on Antioch Pike.

Paris, an employee of Frito-Lay, was working overnight in the store’s chip aisle and conducting a product inventory. Though he was working inside Sam’s Club, he was an outside vendor and not a Sam’s Club associate.

According to Metro Nashville police, gunfire erupted shortly after 4 a.m. outside the store on Antioch Pike. Investigators believe a bullet traveled through the building’s metal wall and struck Paris inside.

Staff immediately came to his aid, and emergency responders transported him to a local hospital. Despite medical efforts, Paris later died from his injuries.

Authorities said the gunfire appears to have been connected to an argument that began inside Lavo Lounge, located down the street from the Sam’s Club. Police said individuals involved in the argument were removed from the lounge by security, but the confrontation reportedly continued outside.

As multiple vehicles left the area, shots were fired. Investigators believe one of those rounds entered the Sam’s Club and struck Paris, who police said had no apparent involvement in the dispute.

Paris went to work during the early morning hours expecting to complete his duties and return home. Instead, his life was tragically cut short in an event that has brought immeasurable sorrow to everyone who knew and loved him.

He was more than a name in a heartbreaking report. He was a loved one, a coworker, a friend, and a person whose life mattered deeply. His absence will be felt in the routines, conversations, memories, and moments shared with the people closest to him.

At 55 years old, Paris had a life filled with experiences, relationships, and memories that will remain meaningful to those fortunate enough to have known him. In the days ahead, loved ones may find comfort in these memories: a familiar smile, a shared laugh, a kind word, or an ordinary moment that now becomes a treasured reminder of someone deeply missed.

The Metro Nashville Police Department’s Homicide Unit continues to investigate and pursue leads concerning the gunfire and vehicles involved.

As the investigation moves forward, the community’s thoughts remain with Paris’s family, friends, and coworkers. May they be surrounded by compassion, strength, and care as they navigate this devastating loss.

May Paris Carlock rest peacefully. May his memory be remembered with love, dignity, and peace, and may the people who loved him find comfort in the moments they will forever carry in their hearts.